Cover Letter

June 2010

Dear Members of the General Assembly:

The Illinois Early Intervention program's mission is to assure that families who have infants and toddlers, birth to three, with diagnosed disabilities, developmental delays or substantial risk of significant delays receive resources and supports that assist them in maximizing their children's development.

House Joint Resolution (HJR) 50 created the Early Intervention Taskforce to partner with the Department of Human Services to undertake a comprehensive and thorough review of the Early Intervention system and develop recommendations and an action plan to address issues related to workforce, financing, monitoring and evaluation, service delivery and transitions. The Early Intervention Taskforce was chaired by the Department of Human Services, with membership defined in HJR 50 to include representation from state agencies, advocacy organizations, professional groups, Early Intervention training and consultation groups, the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention, Child and Family Connections managers/staff, and parents of children in the Early Intervention Program.

The work of the Early Intervention Taskforce and its work groups has culminated in the submission of the attached report. The Department of Human Services will now partner with the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention, the governor appointed advisory board created in the Early Intervention Services System Act (325 ILCS 20/4), to advise and assist the Department in reviewing these recommendations and identifying steps to implement an action plan.

Thank you for your continued interest in and support of this vital program, which serves over 18,000 infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities or delays and their families.

Sincerely,
Michelle R.B. Saddler
Secretary