2011 Early Intervention (EI) Fact Sheet

Illinois Department of Human Services
Division of Family & Community Services

Program Description

Target

Children under three years of age who are experiencing developmental delays in one or more of the following areas: cognitive development, physical development, language and speech development, psychosocial development, and self-help skills.

Eligibility Criteria

Children under three years of age with a medical diagnosis of developmental delay, or delay identified through assessment and evaluation, in one or more of the following areas: cognitive development, physical development, language and speech development, psychosocial development, and self-help skills.

Purpose

To support families in promoting their child's optimal development and to facilitate the child's participation in family and community activities.

Services

Early Intervention services include, but are not limited to: developmental evaluations and assessments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, developmental therapy, service coordination, psychological services, and social work services.

Delivery Method

Regional Child and Family Connection agencies arrange for evaluations and assessments for children under 3. Families with eligible children receive an Individualized Family Services Plan, which lists the services and supports that are needed for the child to achieve his/her outcomes. Early Intervention services are paid for with a combination of government and family resources. The cost of some services are paid by the program and provided to families at no cost. These include evaluation, assessment, development of a service plan, and service coordination. Ongoing Early Intervention services are paid for by the family's health insurance, when appropriate, government insurance (All Kids), and program funds. Families contribute to the cost of services by paying fees based on a sliding scale.

Program Data

*Number as of 6/30/2011

Program Accomplishments

• Of the children under the age of 3 in Illinois, 3.41 percent receive services in the Early Intervention Program.
• Of those referred to the Early Intervention program, 99.8 percent of eligible children had an Individualized Family Services Plan in place within 45 days from the referral.
• The Early Intervention Program began receiving All Kids/Medicaid reimbursement for translation and interpretation services.