Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois

The worldwide COVID-19 outbreak continues to spread, as well as the uncertainty and uneasiness that come with such rapidly changing circumstances and limited information. To help protect yourself and support your important work with children and families in Illinois, EITP has pulled together the following information and resources about COVID-19, which is also known as "Coronavirus".  New resources are highlighted, and key resources are in bold.

Illinois EI COVID-19 Related Resources

Find out where you can get the COVID vaccine by going to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/s/.

Latest Updates from IDPH

• IDPH COVID-19 page has many resources and up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Illinois.
• IDPH Regional Metrics allows you to select your region on the map to learn more about COVID-19 statistics and mitigations in your area.

Latest Updates from IDHS

• Updates to Policies and Procedures following the Expiration of the Public Health Emergency - 05/12/23 (pdf)
• EI Stakeholder Update - 11/3/2022 (pdf)
• Notice of Early Intervention Provider Quarterly Meeting - 09/01/2022 (pdf)
• Provider Information Notice – EI Rate Increase with Rates– 07-14-22 (pdf)
• Provider Rate Increase Effective July 1, 2022 (pdf)
• EI CBO Insurance Billing Unit – 06-24-22 (pdf)
• Division of Early Childhood (DEC) Strategic Roadmap Town Hall on June 23, 2022 (pdf)
• Funding Opportunity to Support ECEC Enrollment Campaign - due 06-16-22 (pdf)
• EI-ES Services -Parent Notice 06-2022 (pdf) - includes both English and Spanish versions
• Notice of Early Intervention Provider Quarterly Meeting - 05-26-22 (pdf) and related Provider Quarterly Meeting PowerPoint – 06-02-22 (pdf)
• EI Stakeholder Update – Revised Illinois Early Intervention Provider Handbook – 05-20-22 (pdf)
  • Summary of Updates for Provider Handbook Revisions – R07-2022 (pdf) 
  • Final DRAFT Provider Handbook R07-2022 (pdf)
• Early Intervention Stakeholder Update – EI-ES Services – 05-09-22 (pdf)
• Revised Live Video Visit Resource Compilation – 04-22-22 (pdf)
• Early Intervention Live Video Visit Fundamentals - 04-21-22 (pdf)
• Early Intervention Live Video Visit Authorizations – 04-21-22 (pdf)
• Early Intervention Stakeholder Update – 04-18-22 (pdf)
• Early Intervention Stakeholder Update – 03/14/22 (pdf)
• Changes to Illinois Early Intervention Policy and Procedure - Transition and Extended Services - 03/2022
• Early Intervention Stakeholder Update - 03/02/2022 (pdf)
• Early Intervention Program Updated COVID-19 Family Guidance - 03/01/22 (pdf)
• Illinois Early Intervention Stakeholder Update – New COVID-19 Mitigation – 03/01/22 (pdf)
• Interim COVID Guidance – Masking Requirement Lifted – 02/28/22 (pdf)

For a more complete list of updates, please visit IDHS Updates related to COVID-19

Resources from EITP

• Referral to Illinois EI resource module and the Illinois EI Referral Infographic (pdf) - please share these resources widely to let others know EI is open and available for referrals!
• Family Engagement Tips (pdf)
• Re-Entry and Safety Resources during COVID-19 - a website with resources for those returning to the workplace and home visits!
• Interim IFSPs (pdf)
• Live Video Visits (Telehealth) Resources
• New EITP Online Training: Using Live Video Visits in EI (During COVID-19)
• Consultative Tips for Illinois EI: Partnering with Families through Consultation Time (telephone only) (pdf)
  • Tips for Aligning the Illinois EI Principles to Consultation (pdf) *Updated 7/2022*
  • IFSP Development Authorization: COVID-19 (pdf) 

Updates from Illinois EI Partners

• Credentialing - Provider Connections: Provider Connections COVID Resources 
• EI Clearinghouse:
  • YouTube Playlists (videos) on Parent Perspectives on Live Video Visits and the FAQs about Live Video Visits
  • Handling Stress in Time of Crisis (Summer 2020 Newsletter)
  • Having Safe In-Person Early Intervention Visits
  • Early Intervention during Coronavirus
  • EIC Technology Loan Program
• Monitoring (Vander Weele Group): A Message from Our Partner at the Illinois Early Intervention Technical Assistance and Monitoring Program - 03/27/20
• Governor's Office of Early Childhood Development COVID-19 Resources
• Federal COVID-19 Updates
  • New Guidance Reaffirms Importance of Full Implementation of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic - 8/24/21

The Facts on COVID-19

• Illinois COVID-19 hotline can be reached at (800) 889-3931 or by email at sick@illinois.gov
• Illinois Department of Public Health guidance on COVID-19 (English and Español available)
• Vaccine resources from the CDC(available in multiple languages):
  • COVID-19 Vaccination resources  - provides facts about the vaccine's safety and effectiveness, how to prepare for and find the vaccine, and what to expect during and after vaccination.
  • COVID-19 Vaccines for Children and Teens - (created 5/12/21) - provides information about the benefits of COVID-19 vaccines for adolescents aged 12 and older, how to find a vaccination provider for adolescents, and what to expect during and after vaccination. 
    • The CDC now recommends COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Parents with questions are encouraged to talk to their child’s health care provider or local pharmacist to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and the importance of keeping children up-to-date with all recommended vaccinations. Resources have been updated to reflect the new recommendations.

Specific Resources

• COVID-19 resource page from ECTA - provides state Part C and Part B programs with the latest information on funding and guidance during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Telepractice for Part C Early Intervention Services: Considerations for Effective Implementation and Medicaid Reimbursement (pdf) - (created 11/2021 by ECTA Center & DaSy) - According to the introduction of the report, State EI Part C systems should consider telepractice as a method for improving equitable access for all young children with disabilities and their families to high-quality EI services. Further, it states that to plan for the continued successful use of telepractice, states will need to: (1) make decisions based on all available data, (2) explore state and federal policies and requirements, (3) consider and respond to issues related to Medicaid reimbursement, and (4) provide information and supports for families, providers, and state staff. The purpose of this report is to provide information about the use of telepractice as a delivery method for EI services and the process for Medicaid reimbursement.
• Return to School Roadmap: Child Find, Referral, and Eligibility (created Oct. 29, 2021 by US Dept of Education) - This Q&A document highlights that under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), each state lead agencies and its early intervention service providers are responsible for implementing a child find system that identifies, locates, and evaluates, as early as possible, all infants and toddlers with disabilities, birth to age three, who may require early intervention services.
• Return to School Roadmap: Provision of Early Intervention Services for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities and their Families under Part C of IDEA (created Oct. 29, 2021 by US Dept of Education) - This Q&A document addresses the provision of Early Intervention Services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families under Part C of IDEA.
• Self-Care and Mental Health Resources
  • Resource Lists from EITP Webinar Calm in the Chaos of COVID-19: Helping the Helpers: Illinois Version and the DEC (National) version
  • Being Mindful (EITP Announcement, May 2020)
  • Being Mindful in a Busy World (pdf) (Allen and Burcham, 2014, University of Illinois Extension) 
  • Coping with COVID-19 Toolkit from the University of Illinois
  • COVID-19 Mental Health Resources from the University of Illinois
• Working with Children
  • A Guide to COVID-19 and Early Childhood Education (Harvard University)
  • COVID-19 data dashboard (CDC & US Dept. of Education) - This helps the public keep track of the impact of COVID-19 on K–12 schools. The dashboard aggregates in one location data on pediatric COVID–19 cases, youth vaccination rates, and numbers on schools that are operating in-person, hybrid, or remote. Data will be updated each week, and where possible, the information is presented geographically so that educators and families can understand the impact of COVID in their communities.
  • COVID-19 Guidance for Operating Early Care and Education/Child Care Programs (CDC)
  • Resource List for Learning at Home during Trying Times (IL Early Learning Project)
  • Tips for Video Chatting with Young Children (NAEYC)
  • Remote Learning Site (NC Office of Early Education) includes weekly family resources for home learning that do not require technology for children (birth to grade 2)
  • What Is COVID-19? And How Does It Relate to Child Development? - infographic from Harvard University
  • Why are Children "missing" from coronavirus outbreak cases?
  • Protecting Youth Mental Health - The advisory from the Office of the Surgeon General discusses recommendations for families, communities, and other stakeholders to support the mental health of children.
• Partnering with Families
  • Everyday Early Intervention During Coronavirus - This digital resource bundle from the IL Early Intervention Clearinghouse is a great resource to share with families!
  • Navigating Uncertainty with Children (pdf) by Laura Fish, MS, LMFT
  • Frequently Asked Questions About Resuming In-Person EI Services for Families
  • Technology Loan Program from the IL EI Clearinghouse
  • Keep Young Children at Home during Trying Times (IL Early Learning Project)
  • Resource List for Learning at Home during Trying Times (IL Early Learning Project)
  • Getting Your Child Ready to Return to Child Care (IL Early Learning Project)
  • Keeping Healthy and Safe Tipsheet Series (IL Early Learning Project) - a series of engaging and graphic tip sheets for keeping children healthy and safe across settings and routines
  • COVID-19 Pandemic: Helping Children and Families Cope (National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations, NCPMI) - videos, infographics and other resources to support families in helping young children cope with the challenges that might occur during stressful emergency or disaster situations.
  • How to Support Children (and Yourself) During the COVID-19 Outbreak - video from Harvard University
  • COVID-19: Emergency Child Care for Communities & Providers (from the Governor's Office - 3/27/20)
  • Conversations with Families to Recognize Need (from Chapin Hall) - page 2 can be printed or used as an infographic when preparing for talking with families!
  • Using the ASQ in Virtual Environment from Brooks Publishing
    • Using ASQ®:SE-2 Effectively with Parents During Virtual Screening Interviews (video) and related slides
  • Fussy Baby Network Resources (pdfs)
    • FAN as a Grounding Tool in Uncertain Times – ARC of Engagement
    • FAN as a Grounding Tool in Uncertain Times – Mindful Self-Regulation (MSR)
• Clinical and Healthcare Settings
  • Interim Infection and Control Recommendations for Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) or Persons Under Investigation for COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings
  • Important Information for Clinicians
  • CDC reminds clinicians to use standard precautions, recommends isolating patients with coronavirus symptoms
• Professional Development at Home
  • LearnAway is filled with educator resources and curriculum ideas that will help teachers continue to meet the social, physical, and intellectual needs of children.
  • EITP Online Events page includes live webinars and meetings, EITP offers self-paced, asynchronous trainings available through Moodle, recorded webinars through OneOp (formerly MFLN) and live events through Zoom.
  • Non-EITP Events page includes events that are sponsored by other entities (not EITP) that offer EI credit.  You can use the dropdown menu next to "Type" and choose "online" to filter events so that only online trainings appear.
  • You may also want to check your professional organizations, like DEC, ASHA, or IDTA, to see what resources are available for your specific discipline!

Easy Actions to Protect Yourself

• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your face
• Avoid close contact with people who appear sick
• Stay at home if you or a family member is sick
• Clean frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and handrails
• Ask simple, fact-finding questions to ALL families regarding recent travel to affected areas or interactions with anyone who traveled to affected areas
• Share resources or factsheets listed above with families wanting to learn more about COVID-19