Caregivers should routinely take a new baby or toddler placed with their family for an EI screening to ensure that the baby’s development is on target. 

Child and Family Connections Links Babies Birth to Three to EI Screenings and Services

The Child and Family Connections program is available to identify Illinois babies ages birth to three who have developmental delays and who will benefit from special help in getting ready for preschool and kindergarten. 

Your local Child and Family Connections staff listed below can:

• answer questions about the child’s development; 
• schedule an appointment to identify what, if any, type of special services may be needed, including hearing and vision testing; 
• tell you where to take the baby for services, if needed; and 
• follow up with you to see how the baby is doing.

An updated list of EI programs can also be found through the HELP-ME-GROW line at 800-323-4769 (TDD 800-547-0466). After calling your local screening program, if you still have questions about services for a child under 3, call the DCFS Early Childhood Services director at 312-814-1864.

Eligibility of Children 

Children aged birth to three with certain conditions may be eligible for EI Services. The condition and also the percentage of delay are used to determine eligibility for services. Contact your nearest child and family community office to determine if your child is eligible.

Early Intervention Services 

If a baby is determined through an assessment to be delayed or eligible for early intervention services, he may be entitled to receive these services:

• assistive technology/devices and services 
• audiology services 
• family training, counseling & home visits 
• health services  
• medical diagnostic services 
• nursing services 
• nutrition services 
• occupational therapy 
• psychological services
• service coordination 
• social work services 
• special instruction (developmental therapy) 
• speech/language pathology 
• vision services 
• physical therapy 
• transportation to services

An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed around the EI needs of each baby. EI services may be provided either inside or outside the home.

Section 6, Page 11