Essential Resources for Illinois Early Intervention Providers

• Provider Handbook (2022)
  (Note: Currently under revision)
  Your go-to guide for policies, procedures, and expectations for Illinois EI providers.

• Report Formats & Templates
  Use these templates for consistent, compliant documentation of evaluations and progress.

• EI-Approved Assessment Tools
  A comprehensive list of evaluation and assessment instruments approved by IDHS.

• CFC Procedure Manual
  Outlines procedures used across Child & Family Connections offices statewide.

• Billing Information for Providers
  Find current reimbursement rates, documentation requirements, and billing FAQs.

• Authorization Tips for Providers
  Avoid common pitfalls with these tips to secure authorizations smoothly.

• EI Documentation Graphic
  A quick visual guide on what needs to be included in your daily documentation.

• Technical Assistance and Monitoring
  Stay prepared for monitoring visits and understand your compliance obligations.

Core Provider Tools

• IDEA Part C Regulations
  Federal regulations for EI services under Part C of IDEA.

• IDEA Overview: Subchapter III
  A high-level look at the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

• Part 500: Early Intervention Program Rules
  Illinois-specific rules that govern service delivery, eligibility, and program oversight.

• Early Intervention Services System Act (325 ILCS 20)
  State statute establishing Illinois’ EI system.

• Start Early
  A nonprofit advocacy group offering policy guidance and resources for early childhood professionals.

• New to EI: Start Here
  A practical overview for new providers—understanding the system, your role, and next steps.

• EI Principles
  Ground yourself in the foundational values guiding Illinois EI services.

• System Support Visual Guide
  A helpful visual of how system components interact and support providers and families.

• Eligibility & Clinical Opinion Tool
  Clarifies how to use clinical opinion when determining eligibility.

• IFSP Time at a Glance
  A must-have resource for understanding allowable documentation and development time.

• High Quality IFSP Outcomes Guide
  Learn how to write functional, family-centered outcomes.

• EITP Training Calendar
  Stay up-to-date on required and elective trainings across Illinois.

• EI Family Guide (2024)
  Share this with families to explain how EI works, their rights, and how they can advocate.

• Service Delivery Decision-Making Tool
  Use this with families to collaboratively decide on frequency, location, and team members.

• Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
  Curated library of family-friendly resources, books, and articles to support home carryover.

• CFC Interactive Map
  Quickly find and contact your local Child and Family Connections office.

• Breadth of the Three Child Outcomes
  A breakdown of the three global outcomes used to assess EI progress at DC/exit.

• Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
  National technical assistance center with gold-standard tools and implementation supports.

• Division of Early Childhood (DEC)
  Stay up-to-date with best practices and position statements from this national leader in early childhood special education.

• ILOTA – Illinois Occupational Therapy Association
  Connect with other Illinois OTs, explore continuing education, and advocate at the state level.

  • Already an ILOTA member? View the ILOTA EI page here: Early Intervention (EI) Resources

• AOTA – American Occupational Therapy Association
  Explore national resources, continuing ed, and position statements relevant to pediatrics and EI.