Scope of Services

  1. Maintain a lending library of books, videos, and periodicals specific to early childhood intervention issues and expand the collection of resources that are parent-focused.
  2. Maintain participation in the Rolling Prairie Library (or equivalent system) to provide direct access through the Internet to multiple library collections.
  3. Maintain and expand a bibliographic database for citations related to early childhood intervention issues. Research and collect information about education, diagnostic, training and parenting resources pertaining to the early childhood population, utilizing Internet access for related information.
  4. Operate a toll-free number to disseminate information to parents, the public and early intervention professionals. Respond to all contacts in a timely manner.
  5. Publicize and increase exposure of the Clearinghouse as a statewide resource, specifically targeting parents. Efforts include, at a minimum, distribution of family-friendly public awareness materials and presentations about Clearinghouse services to EI Child and Family Connections staff, EI providers, and families.
  6. Maintain and expand an Internet website to help families access information and to publicize and increase exposure of the Clearinghouse as a statewide resource for parents.
  7. Maintain and expand the online message board and other interactive learning opportunities for parents of children with disabilities/delays to share information and experiences through the website.
  8. Develop, publish and disseminate a quarterly newsletter to all enrolled parents in the Early Intervention program.
  9. Provide a system for payments to parents for expenses (totaling up to $10,000) related to participation in the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention and its work groups.
  10. Maintain and expand a tracking and evaluation report for the resource library which summarizes specific segments of the public being served and topics of interest.
  11. Maintain and expand a tracking and evaluation report for the website which summarizes the number of visitors and the utilization rate of each area of the website.
  12. In the first quarter of the fiscal year, the Vendor will submit a work plan and a line item budget in a format approved by the Department.
  13. The Vendor will submit a quarterly report in a format approved by the Department.