What Is Early Intervention Speech Therapy? A Step-by-Step Guide for Illinois Families
For many parents, the early intervention for speech therapy process feels overwhelming at first. Forms to fill out, acronyms you’ve never heard before, phone numbers to call, timelines that aren’t always clear. It’s a lot, especially when you’re already trying to support your child and figure out what they need.
This post is here to help simplify things. We’ll walk through what Early Intervention is, how the process works, and exactly where to go in Illinois to work with a certified speech therapist.
And one important thing to know right away: you do not need a diagnosis to get started. If you have concerns about your child’s speech development, that’s enough to take the first step!
PS: Grab my Free Birth-3 Speech and Language Guide for Parents!
What Is Early Intervention (EI)?
Early Intervention (often called EI) is a state-run program for infants and toddlers from birth through age 3 who may need extra support with development.
EI can support children in areas such as:
Speech and language
Movement and motor skills
Learning and thinking skills
Social interaction and play
Daily routines and independence
Children may qualify for Early Intervention if they:
Have a developmental delay
Have a medical diagnosis that commonly affects development
Are considered at risk for developmental challenges
You do not need a formal diagnosis to start the EI process.
One of the most important things to know about Early Intervention is that it focuses on supporting families, not just the child. Parents and caregivers are active participants, and services are designed to fit into real life.
That’s why EI services usually take place in natural environments, such as your home or your child’s daycare, where learning and communication naturally happen throughout the day.
Related: Learn about parent coaching with a speech therapist
What Early Intervention Looks Like in Illinois
In Illinois, Early Intervention services are coordinated through Child and Family Connections (CFC) offices. These offices are the starting point for the entire EI process.
Your local CFC office helps families by:
Receiving and processing referrals
Coordinating the free developmental evaluation
Assigning a Service Coordinator who guides you through each step and answers questions
Think of the CFC as your main point of contact, they help connect the pieces and make sure the process keeps moving.
There are also a few important things every parent should know about early intervention in Illinois:
Early Intervention is voluntary. Families always choose whether to participate.
Anyone can make a referral. Parents, doctors, childcare providers, and others can all start the process.
No child is denied services because of cost. Services are funded through a mix of state EI funds, insurance, and sometimes a small family fee, but inability to pay never prevents a child from receiving support.
Understanding how EI works in Illinois can take some of the pressure off. You’re not expected to know everything right away and your CFC office is there to help guide you.
Related: How to get an IEP for speech therapy
The Step-by-Step EI Process
Step 1 — Make a Referral
Parents can refer their own child for Early Intervention. A doctor’s referral is not required.
You can start in a few different ways:
👉 Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse: Statewide information, guides, and resources
👉 Illinois DHS Child & Family Connections (CFC) Office Locator: Find your local CFC by county or ZIP code
👉 Central Illinois direct referral form
If you’re unsure which office to contact or need help getting started, you can also call the Illinois Early Intervention Hotline at 1-800-843-6154.
Step 2 — Intake
After a referral is made, a Service Coordinator from your local CFC office will contact you.
During intake, they will:
Talk with you about your concerns
Gather background information about your child and family
Explain how Early Intervention works and what happens next
This is a conversation (not a test) and it’s okay if you don’t have all the answers yet.
Step 3 — Free Developmental Evaluation
Next, a free developmental evaluation is scheduled.
This evaluation is completed by a multidisciplinary team and looks at areas such as:
Communication and speech
Motor skills
Social interaction
Play and learning skills
There is no cost for this evaluation.
Step 4 — IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
If your child is found eligible, the EI team and your family work together to create an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
The IFSP includes:
Your family’s priorities and concerns
Developmental goals for your child
Recommended services and supports
Parents and caregivers are equal members of the team, and your input matters at every step.
Step 5 — Services Begin
Once the IFSP is in place, services begin.
Early Intervention services may include:
Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Developmental therapy
Services typically take place:
In your home
At your child’s daycare
Occasionally in a clinic setting
A strong focus of EI is parent and caregiver coaching, so strategies can be used throughout everyday routines, not just during sessions.
Step 6 — Transition at Age 3
Before your child turns 3, the EI team begins planning for the next step.
This transition often includes:
Support with moving to local school district preschool services
Coordination with new providers or programs
The EI team helps guide families through this transition so it feels planned and supported, not sudden.
Timelines Families Should Know
Early Intervention has specific timelines in place to protect families and ensure children receive support as early as possible. These timelines are rights under state and federal EI guidelines.
Here’s what families in Illinois should generally expect:
After a referral is made: A Child and Family Connections (CFC) office typically contacts families within 1–2 business days.
Evaluation and IFSP meeting: The free developmental evaluation and IFSP meeting should be completed within 45 days of the referral.
Services begin: Once the IFSP is finalized, services usually start within about 30 days.
If these timelines aren’t being met, families have the right to ask questions, request updates, and advocate for next steps. Your Service Coordinator can help explain where things are in the process and what to expect moving forward.
Knowing these timelines can help reduce uncertainty and give families confidence as they navigate Early Intervention.
Common Early Intervention Services
Early Intervention services are designed to support a child’s development within daily routines, not separate from them. The goal isn’t just skill-building during sessions, it’s helping families use strategies throughout everyday life.
Common Early Intervention services may include:
Speech and language therapy to support communication, understanding, and early interaction
Occupational therapy to help with play, fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily activities
Physical therapy to support movement, strength, and coordination
Developmental therapy to support learning, play, and social development
Vision or hearing services when needed to support overall development
Family education and coaching to help caregivers feel confident supporting their child between visits
Rather than working only with the child, EI providers focus on coaching parents and caregivers so skills can be practiced during meals, playtime, dressing, bath time, and other everyday moments.
This approach helps learning feel natural, meaningful, and sustainable for families.
Costs, Insurance, and Fees
One of the biggest concerns families have about Early Intervention is cost. The good news is that EI is set up to be accessible to families, regardless of income.
Here’s what to know:
Evaluations are always free. There is no cost for the developmental evaluation or eligibility determination.
Insurance may be billed. This can include private insurance or public insurance such as Medicaid.
Some families may have an income-based fee. If a fee applies, it is determined based on family income.
No family is denied services because of cost. Inability to pay never prevents a child from receiving Early Intervention services.
If you have questions about billing, fees, or insurance, your Service Coordinator can walk you through the details and help explain what applies to your family.
Where to Go If You’re in Illinois (Especially Sangamon County)
Statewide Resources
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse: https://eiclearinghouse.org/
Illinois DHS CFC Office Locator: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?module=12&officetype=4
EI Hotline: 1-800-843-6154
Local: Sangamon County & Surrounding Areas (CFC #18)
Child & Family Connections #18
Operated by Sangamon County Public Health Department
Address:
2833 South Grand Ave. East, Springfield, IL 62703Phone:
(217) 535-3100
888-217-3505
This is the EI starting point for families local to UniVie Therapy Solutions.
Quick Parent Checklist
❑ Concerned about your child’s development? You can self-refer → https://www.cicfc.org/referral/
❑ Call your local CFC office with questions → Sangamon/Region: (217) 535-3100
❑ No diagnosis needed
❑ Evaluations are free
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone!
Early support can make a meaningful difference, and asking questions is not overreacting, it’s advocating for your child. If something doesn’t feel quite right, trusting that instinct is an important first step.
The Early Intervention process can feel confusing, especially at the beginning. If this post helped clarify things for you, feel free to share it with another parent who may be feeling unsure about where to start.
And remember, you don’t have to navigate this on your own. Families can reach out directly to Early Intervention, or connect with UniVie Therapy for guidance and support alongside the process. Sometimes having someone walk with you through the next steps makes everything feel more manageable.
Hi, I’m Daj! Founder of UniVie Therapy
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I started UniVie Therapy Solutions with one simple goal: to help individuals of all ages communicate with confidence! My work is grounded in personalized, evidence-based support that honors each person’s strengths, needs, and differences. Whether I’m working with children, families, caregivers, or individuals, my approach is always collaborative, affirming, and focused on real-life communication.
If you’d like to learn more or stay connected, here are a few helpful resources:
