Early Intervention Clearinghouse

The Bureau of Early Intervention requires monthly expenditure information to be submitted for reimbursement using the Early Intervention Periodic Financial Report for Administrative Contracts (EIPFR-ADM) and Instructions.  To request the grantee's tailored copy of the EIPFR-ADM submit request to DHS.EIFiscal@illinois.gov

The Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Family and Community Services, seeks an organization with which to contract for the establishment and maintenance of an Early Intervention Clearinghouse (EIC), a resource for the parents/caregivers, general public and early intervention professionals to access information and other resources related to early intervention issues including, but not limited to, culturally inclusive and culturally responsive resources. The EIC provides current, up-to-date information and reference materials that are used by parents to learn more about normal development and specific disabilities. This information is also used by educators and EI professionals to maintain and improve competencies in the evaluation and treatment of children with developmental disabilities and delays. The EIC serves as a communication link between the EI Program and families served by the program through newsletters, a Web site, and reference and lending library services. The EIC maintains a federally required central directory.

The EI Clearinghouse will:

  • A.2.1. Maintain and expand an EIC lending library of books, DVDs, and other resources specific to early childhood/early intervention issues, with an emphasis on resources for families. Resources should be available in multiple languages, and reflect potential trajectories for children of color in the context of racialized maternal care as well as opportunities for families of color to assist them in the proper development of their child.
  • A.2.2. Maintain participation in the Illinois Heartland Library System (or equivalent system) to provide direct access through the Internet to multiple library collections
  • A.2.3. Maintain and expand an EIC Internet website to help families access accurate, up-to-date information about early intervention principles and practices, normal child development, and about specific disabilities/delays and to publicize and increase exposure of the EIC as a statewide resource for early intervention professionals and families.
  • A.2.4. Maintain and expand the list of EIC resource guides related to early childhood/early intervention topics. Information should be made available on the EIC website or upon request. Work with the Illinois Early Intervention Training Program to provide resources guides that support professional training efforts.
  • A.2.5. Maintain a central directory on the EIC website that includes accurate, up-to-date information about public and private early intervention services, resources and experts available in the State; culturally informed resources and culturally responsive resources and tools; professional and other groups (including parent support, and training and information centers), such as those funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 that provide assistance to infants and toddlers with disabilities eligible under Part C of IDEA and their families; and research and demonstration projects being conducted in the State related to infants and toddlers with disabilities. Persons with limited English proficiency should have meaningful access to directory information. The directory will be made available on the EIC website and through a link to the EIC website from the IDHS-Early Intervention website. In addition, directory information will be provided in an electronic format to Child and Family Connections offices to be printed and made available to families upon request.
  • A.2.6. Maintain a directory of links to the Early Intervention Child and Family Connections forms on the EIC website and provide translation services, as requested, to ensure forms are available in various languages.
  • A.2.7. Operate a toll-free number from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, to disseminate information to parents, the public, and Early Intervention professionals.
  • A.2.8. Publicize and increase exposure of the EIC as a statewide resource, specifically targeting parents. Efforts include, at a minimum, distribution of family-friendly public awareness materials and presentations about EIC services to Child and Family Connections staff, EI providers, and families, displays at appropriate conferences and other events, and through the use of social media as well as local, trusted sources/leaders of more localized grassroots organizations such as churches/faith leaders and community organizations.
  • A.2.9. Develop and publish an EIC newsletter on the EIC website and disseminate via the EIC Listserv. Provide hard copies to families upon request.
  • A.2.10. Update family resource documents including but not limited to the Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families and the Illinois Early Intervention Services brochure. Ensure family resource documents are available in various languages.
  • A.2.11. Provide a system for payments to parents for expenses (totaling up to $10,000 annually) related to participation in the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention (IICEI) and its work groups.
  • A.2.12. The Vendor will submit a quarterly measurement report, including progress/ status of milestones and deliverables identified in Section A.5 in a format approved by the Department.
  • A.2.13. As part of the technical approach plan, the selected Vendor should provide a transition plan that will result in full operations beginning upon contract execution. This does not apply to the current contract holder as there would be no transition.