CHILD AND FAMILY CONNECTIONS #23
Child and Family Connections #23 is one of 25 Early Intervention agencies in the state of Illinois which serve as single points of entry for referrals of children ages birth to 3 with developmental delays.
Generally, children must show a 30% delay in any developmental area or have a qualifying diagnosis to be eligible for Early Intervention Services.
Referrals are accepted from a variety of sources, including physicians, health departments, family members, hospitals, early intervention agencies, etc.
Our goal is to make your Early Intervention experience a positive one. Please call us with any questions regarding your child’s individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), therapists providing services in your home, resource and referral information, family fees, transition to a 3-5 program, or any other concerns you have.
WHAT IS EARLY INTERVENTION?
Early Intervention (EI) is a statewide program that provides supports and services for families with infants and toddlers from birth to 36 months with developmental delays or disabilities or who are at risk for developmental delays. The primary goal of EI is to support families in promoting their child’s optimal development and to facilitate the child’s participation in family and community activities. EI is voluntary and it is up the family to decide whether they want participate in the program.
Early intervention services are designed to meet needs in the following areas of development:
1.) Physical – How does your baby move and explore?
2.) Cognitive – How does your baby learn?
3.) Communication – How does your baby let you know what he needs?
4.) Social & Emotional – How does your baby engage with you and show feelings?
5.) Adaptive – How does your baby use new skills?
Services may include:
– Assistive Technology
– Audiology/Aural Rehabilitation
– Developmental Therapy / Special Instruction
– Family Training and Support
– Health Consultation
– Medical Services (for diagnostics or evaluation)
– Nursing
– Nutrition
– Occupational Therapy
– Physical Therapy
– Psychological/Counseling Services
– Service Coordination
– Sign Language or Cued Language
– Social Work
– Speech Language Pathology
– Transportation
– Vision
– Translation/Interpretation to other languages
What information is required for a referral?
- Child’s Name
- Date of Birth
- Guardian’s contact information including Name, Address and Telephone Number.
- Suspected delay or reason for referral
To be eligible, your child MUST be under 36 months old AND have one of the following:
- Have a physician’s diagnosis of a physical or mental condition that causes a developmental delay  OR
- Have an identifiable developmental delay of 30% or more in at least one area of the developmental domains (cognitive, physical, communication, social/emotional, or adaptive.). OR
- Be at risk of substantial developmental delay because of certain risk factors.
If you believe your child may be eligible, please contact us today.
RESOURCES:
The Illinois Intervention Program
CONTACT US
618-842-3455
618-842-5166 (Press Option 8)
1-800-463-2759
- Tammy Talley, Program Manager
618-272-6894
ttalley@wchdil.com - Gwen Wurst, Parent Liaison
618-272-6442
gwurst@wchdil.com - Alyssa Lopez, Office Assistant
618-272-6897
alopez@wchdil.com - Emily Meriwether, Lead Service Coordinator
618-599-5884
emeriwether@wchdil.com - Debbie Bradley, Service Coordinator
618-272-6985
dbradley@wchdil.com - Gretchen Biggerstaff, Service Coordinator
618-272-6118
gbiggerstaff@wchdil.com - Megan Wellman, Service Coordinator
618-718-1527
mwellman@wchdil.com
funding statement
Child and Family Connections #23 is funded by the Department of Human Services under Wayne County Health Department. Serving: Edwards, Gallatin, Hamilton, Saline, Wabash, Wayne & White Counties.