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Online SOFU Toolkit

Feb 19, 2024 9:30 amSystem Overview
Resources for the online version of System Overview Follow-up (SOFU) training held in Zoom meeting room. After the training, if you need additional support, please join us for our New to Early Intervention (EI) Forum.

Page sections (click on a section title to link to that section):
- Prerequisites
- Key Resources
- Outline and Links from SOFU Training:
Prerequisites for Virtual Training:
Please complete the following activities in addition to the usual SOFU prerequisites:
Be prepared to discuss these activities at the training. Estimated times to complete the activities are listed.
1. Watch the Introduction to EI video and note examples of our shared EI principles/philosophy you see within the video (10-15 minutes).
2. Review How to Participate in Zoom (pdf) handout. (5 minutes).
3. Complete the Where Do You Stand? (pdf form) handout. (5 minutes)
4. Complete the IFSP worksheets(Google doc) as you view the selected IFSP videos (total 1-1.5 hour):
  1. Chapter 2.1 – Levels of Development: Communication
  2. Chapter 2.2 – Levels of Development: Cognitive and Self-Help
  3. Chapter 3.2 – Child Outcomes 1 & 2
  4. Chapter 3.3 – Child Outcomes 3
  5. Chapter 4.1 – Family-Centered Functional Outcomes (part 1)
  6. Chapter 4.2 – Family-Centered Functional Outcomes (part 2)
  7. Optional: If you would like to view the entire IFSP development process, please view the Bri, Her Family and Early Intervention playlist
Key Resources:
- PPT slides from Online SOFU (pdf)
- Extend Your Learning (pdf)
- COVID-19 Information and Resources - includes all updates from IDHS and other EI Partners as well as live video visit resources and safety information.
- Modules from Online System Overview (for review)
  - Provider Handbook
  - CFC Procedure Manual
- Illinois Early Intervention Systems of Support - Learn more about the systems that support Illinois Early Intervention in this interactive graphic that highlights the key stakeholders that work together to support children and families in Illinois Early Intervention, by exploring an overview of who they are, what they do, where to find key resources, and how to contact them. This resource is great for anyone new to EI and is also available in a printable version (pdf).
Outline and Links from SOFU Training:
Early Intervention System
Related Video: Introduction to Early Intervention (from EITP)
I. Shared Vision, Mission and Principles
- Simon Sinek TED Talk video: Start with WHY
- National Mission and Vision
- Illinois EI Principles
- DEC Recommended Practices
- Evidence-Based Practices: Key Terms and Definitions (DaSy)
- Comparison of EI and Outpatient Model (pdf)
- Partnering with Families: The Parent-Professional Partnership
  - Improving Relationships between Parents and Families (handout coming soon)
  - Harper Hope: A Parent's View of the Power of Early Intervention (video)
  - Parents and Early Intervention (video)
  - Natural Environments
Group Activity: Where Do You Stand? (pdf form)
II. Rules and Regulations
Federal
- Law: Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Created 1986, amended in 2004 and 2011
- Lead Agency: US Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
State
- Law: 89 IL Admin Code 500 (Rule 500)
- Lead Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Early Intervention
  - Provider Handbook
  - CFC Procedure Manual
Mandated Reporting
HIPAA
Family Rights
III. Illinois Early Intervention System
Illinois EI Systems of Support *NEW*
Learn more about the systems that support Illinois Early Intervention in this interactive graphic that highlights the key stakeholders that work together to support children and families in Illinois Early Intervention, by exploring an overview of who they are, what they do, where to find key resources, and how to contact them. This resource is great for anyone new to EI and was created in collaboration with EITP and the Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention (IICEI) Communications Workgroup in May 2021. It is also available in a printable version (pdf).
IDHS Bureau of Early Intervention
- Part C Coordinator (Benjamin Delgado, Jr.)
- EI Ombudsman (Chelsea Guillen)
Illinois Interagency Council on Early Intervention
Child & Family Connections (CFC)
- Overview of Child and Family Connections
- Service Coordinator (SC)
- Support Services:
  - Parent Liaison
  - Local Interagency Council Coordinator (LIC)
  - Social Emotional Specialist
  - Developmental Pediatric Consultant
- SC Model in Illinois (pdf)
Services in Illinois (Sweet16)
- What is EI? brochure from IDHS
Family Guide from IDHS:
- The Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families
- Una guía para familias El Programa de Intervención Temprana de Illinois
IV. Teaming and Collaboration
System Partners
Central Directory
Related Programs
- Infographic: Illinois Publicly Funded Early Childhood Programs (from IECAM)
- Home Visiting: i-Grow
- Governor's Office on Early Childhood Development (GOECD)
- Videos on related programs in Illinois Early Childhood: This 8-video series produced by Illinois Action for Children features different parts of the early childhood system. The videos are intended to help individuals that work with families and young children directly to understand how they can best make referrals and connect them to helpful services:
Collaboration and Teaming resources
V. Measuring Success of EI
At a Glance: Child and Family Outcomes
Child Outcomes
Family Outcomes (ECTA)
- Illinois Family Outcomes Survey
- Illinois Family Outcomes Survey Infographic (pdf)
EI Process (Family Journey)
Related resources:
- EI Process in Illinois (pdf)
- Coaching Families in EI from EITP
- Documentation Infographic (pdf) from EITP
- Video: Illinois Early Intervention from Action for Children
- Video: Family Video (Parents and Early Intervention) from EITP
- IFSP Video: Bri, Her Family, and Early Intervention playlist from EITP
Referral
- Child Find
  - Do You Have Questions about Your Child's Development? - DHS 4395 (Available in English and Spanish)
  - Developmental Milestones (English and Spanish) - DHS 4389 (Available in English and Spanish)
- Understanding Child Development
- Medically Fragile
- Standardized Illinois Early Intervention Referral Form (pdf) - Updated 3/2018, revised 1/8/19
Intake
- Outcomes: Measuring the Success of Early Intervention for Intake (PDF) Resultados: la medición del éxito de la intervención temprana al Consumo (PDF)
- Family Assessment
Evaluation-Assessment
- Multidisciplinary Approach
- Assessment Tools
  - Approved Assessment & Evaluation Instruments (updated 1/2022)
  - Global Assessment Tool trainings available from EITP (these are live event trainings):
    - BDI-2
    - HELP
    - DAYC-2
    - Search our calendar of events for these trainings!
- Authentic Assessment
  - Video on Authentic Assessment in EI
  - Online training: Authentic Assessment in EI
- Report Format
Eligibility
- 5 Developmental Domains and Eligibility
- Informed Clinical Opinion
IFSP Process
- IFSP document: The IFSP pages will download as Word document. You will see a pop-up window asking you where to download the file.It will not open in the browser. The file opens up by finding your downloaded file, and opening it in Word.
  - English - writeable IFSP pages (Word doc)
  - Español - writeable IFSP pages (Word doc)
- The EI IFSP Process Flowchart
- Illinois Policy and Procedure - Ch 12 of CFC Procedure Manual
- IFSP Meeting
  - Developing Family-Centered Outcomes with your EI Team
  - Sample IFSP Agenda (pdf)
  - Editable IFSP Agenda (Word doc)
- Development
  - Outcomes
    - Outcomes: Measuring the Success of Early Intervention for IFSP (PDF) Resultados: la medición del éxito de la intervención temprana a IFSP (PDF)
    - Using Eval/Assmt Info for IFSP Development
    - Resources for Writing Good IFSP Outcomes
    - Summary Worksheet for IFSP Practices
    - Worksheet: Developing Measurable and Functional IFSP Outcomes/Strategies (PDF or Word document)
    - IFSP-Outcomes Integration
    - Picture from training (Outcomes - coming soon)
  - Outcomes to Strategies: Fridgeable Strategies Worksheet (this Word document will pop-out as a download)
Ongoing Supports/Services
- Implementation
  - Authorizations
- Natural Environments
  - - Natural Partners in Natural Environments: Childcare and EI - A Guide to Early Intervention Services in Illinois
    - Working in Child Care as an EI Provider (pdf)
    - Working with Early Intervention as a Child Care Provider (pdf)
    - Picture from training (Natural Environment -coming soon)
  - EI and Medical Home
- Review IFSP
- Modifying IFSP
- Assistive Technology
Transition or Exiting EI
- Transition
  - When I’m 3, where will I be? A Family’s Transition Workbook (PDF) or en Español: Cuando tenga 3 años, ¿en dónde estaré? (PDF - updated version coming soon)
- Leaving EI
  - Video “Reflections on a Final Visit” (This video file will download in a pop-up window).
EI Payments and Billing
Paying for Early Intervention (Family)
- Section 4 of "Family Guide"
- Illinois System of Payments
  - Family Fee
  - Insurance
    - Private
    - Public Assistance
  - "Payer of Last Resort"
Billing for Early Intervention (Providers)
- EI Central Billing Office
  - EICBO Billing Information for Providers (pdf) - updated Jan. 2020!
  - Insurance
    - Private Insurance Billing infographic (pdf)
    - EICBO insurance billing unit
  - QClaims
    - To get started simply visit http://spiclaims01.eicbo.info/ and view the initial sign-up documentation.
- Enrollment in IMPACT (from Provider Connections) - includes an overview (presentation) on IMPACT, resources, and tips
  - IMPACT
  - Setting yourself up as a vendor -NPI: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System
  - Common Billing & Enrollment Questions
Working in Early Intervention
Credentialing
- Provider Connections - handles the credentialing process for Illinois EI, and is who you should contact with questions about credentialing
  - Credentialing Overview
    - Instructional video on filling out the EI Credential Application
    - Common Credentialing Questions
  - Credentialing Requirements
    - Background Checks
    - Consultative Experience
    - Required Trainings
    - Temporary Requirements
    - Ongoing Professional Development
    - Renewal
    - Rule Requirements
  - Credentialing Application (New)
    - Complete most updated credential application
  - Temporary Credential Requirements
    - Note: The 240 hours is the number of hours of direct services and not the number of hours of consultation with the mentor. For example, the Ongoing Professional Development Plan meeting would not be considered direct service.
  - EICBO (Billing) Enrollment
    - IMPACT
    - Setting yourself up as a vendor -NPI: National Plan and Provider Enumeration System.
  - Renewal
    - Full EI Credentials are valid for 3 years.
    - Renewal requirements include Ongoing Professional Development meetings, Continuing Education, and at least the Child Abuse and Tracking System (CANTS) and Sex Offender Registry Background Checks.
Ongoing Professional Development
Taking Care of Yourself
- Safety
- Recognizing your triggers and needs
- Organizing materials and resources
- Time management
- Self-care
- Professional Associations
- IDHS Updates and Reports
Partnering with Families
- DEC RPs on Family-Centered Practices
  - Parents as experts
  - Family Centered Practices Checklist
- Working with Interpreters and Translators
- Respecting Cultural Differences
- Implicit Bias (How to Think about Implicit Bias article)
- Natural Environments
- Shared EI Philosophy
  - What is Early Intervention?
  - ¿Qué es la intervención temprana?
- Connecting with Families Tip Sheet (pdf) - intended for new providers just starting to connect with families and CFCs in Illinois EI.
Additional Resources
- Birth to 3 Program Flowchart - revised