The Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois (EITP) and IDHS Bureau of Early Intervention invite Child and Family Connections (CFCs) to join us for the 2026 CFC Conference, The Heart of EI: Honoring CFCs and the Power of Connection, on April 30, 2026 from 8:15 am to 3:30 pm.
This conference is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the vital work you do in supporting families. This conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from experts in fields such as infant/early childhood development, cultural humility, relationship building, conflict resolution, professional ethics, advocacy, and affirming care. These experts will share their knowledge and experiences on issues that are highly relevant to CFC Service Coordinators and Staff.
Our keynote presentation, YOU Are the Heart of Early Intervention: Connection Matters, by Amy King, PhD, will explore the vital role of CFCs, who are the heartbeat of early intervention—bridging services, supporting families, and nurturing growth during life’s most formative moments. Together, participants will dive into how to cultivate connection, safety, collaboration, and trust—not only for the families served, but also within yourself and your teams. This session will recharge you with hope, practical tools, and a renewed sense of purpose, while gaining insight into the power of self-regulation and self-preservation in sustaining this important work.
Materials and Resources
This section contains handouts and resources from the 2026 CFC Conference and will be updated with new items as they are shared by presenters, so please check in after the conference to see what is new!
