Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois

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• Interpreter/Translator System Overview Toolkit

  May 30, 2025 8:45 am

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  This page is intended for interpreters and translators entering the Illinois Early Intervention system. Resources are from the required training, System Overview for Bilingual Interpreters/Translators in the IL Early Intervention System.  This page will be updated as needed with additional resources, so please continue to use this page after the training!  

  Page contains the following sections (click section name to go to that section):

  • Recommendations
  • Technical Support
  • Resources from Training - in order of how they appear in the curriculum
    • Day 1 Resources
    • Day 2 Resources
    • Day 3 Resources
  • Additional Resources
  • Professional Development Resources

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  Recommendations

  The following recommendations are for new Interpreters/Translators in Illinois Early Intervention (EI):

  • Get a dual language dictionary (hard copy, not digital version) – the testing portion will not allow a digital dictionary
  • Visit our Interpreters/Translators page for additional resources 
  • Use https://go.illinois.edu/ITSOtoolkit to find your toolkit easily
  • Attend a New to EI Forum or Interpreter/Translator Forum meeting (see EITP Events page for upcoming dates) to get support after certification.  These forums are intended for new professionals to have a space to ask questions about their role in Illinois EI and get immediate answers from the EI partners.

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  Technical Support

  • You must log in to sessions with a Zoom Account.  If you need an account, please set up a (free) Zoom account at https://zoom.us/signup 
  • Instructions for viewing multiple apps at once (split view):
    1. Apple/Mac
    2. Windows/PC

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  Resources from Training

  Day 1: Introduction to Early Intervention

  • Objectives and Agenda (pdf)
  • Getting to Know Each Other (pdf)
  • Acronym and Terminology
    1. Acronyms & Key Terms in Early Intervention Worksheet (pdf, form)
    2. Editable Acronyms & Terminology in EI Worksheet - This file will download as a Word document. You will see a pop-up window asking you where to download the file. Remember this file location or folder, because the file will not open in the browser. The file opens up by finding your downloaded file in that file location, and opening it using Microsoft Word.
  • The Illinois Early Intervention Program: A Guide for Families - updated Oct. 2024
    • Programa de Intervención Temprana de Illinois: Guía para las familias - Oct. 2024 (Spanish)
  • The Early Intervention Dictionary: A multidisciplinary guide to terminology (Book) - reference available from EI Clearinghouse
  • EI Process in Illinois (pdf)
  • Goal of Early Intervention (pdf)
  • Mission and Key Principles (pdf) 
    • Extend Your Learning - Seven Key Principles: Looks Like/Doesn't Look Like (pdf) is a document that elaborates on the 7 key principles identified by work group members, listing the concepts underlying the brief statements. Each principle also has descriptive statements illustrating what the principle should "look like" in practice. There are also descriptions of what it "doesn't look like" because too often those practices are still being used.
  • Principles of Early Intervention
  • Natural Environments
  • Video: Introduction to Early Intervention 

  Day 1.1: Role of Interpreter

  • Activity - Interpreter Is and Is Not (pdf, form)
  • Role of the Interpreter (pdf)

  Day 1.2: Proficiency and Enrollment

  • Interpreter/Translator Training & Testing Requirements
    1. For upcoming testing dates and registration, visit EITP Training Events
    2. Interpreter/Translator FAQ
  • Enrollment Resources from Provider Connections: 
    1. Provider Connections handles enrollment for all interpreters/translators and can best answer any questions.
    2. Enrollment for Bilingual & Sign Language Interpreting is through Provider Connections - Individuals who are bilingual or interpreters for the deaf may enroll to bill as an interpreter. Upon enrollment application, the bilingual applicant must identify the languages for which he/she is applying to interpret and/or translate and document completion of Early Intervention Systems Training as defined in Section 500.60(f) and Early Intervention approved training for bilingual interpreter/translators and oral and/or written language proficiency using approved testing procedures. By September 1, 2008, all enrolled bilingual interpreters must have documented completion of Early Intervention approved training for bilingual interpreters/translators and oral and/or written language proficiency using approved testing procedures to maintain enrollment. Interpreters for the deaf must meet the requirements set forth in 225 ILCS 442 and document completion of Early Intervention Systems Training as defined in Section 500.60(f).
    3. Payscale 
    4. CBO Enrollment Requirement
    5. Billing - Interpreters & Translators
    6. Common Billing and Enrollment Questions
    7. Video: Bilingual Interpreters and Translators Instructional Video

  Day 1.3: Business of Interpreters/Translators in EI

  • Provider Handbook
  • Sample authorization with descriptions (pdf) from Provider Handbook
  • Examples of Interpreter Authorization - Intake (pdf)
  • Examples of Authorization - Translate IFSP (pdf)
  • Examples of Interpreter Authorization - Direct Services (pdf)
  • Examples of Interpreter Authorization - IFSP Meeting (pdf)
  • Examples of Interpreter Authorization - Scheduling (pdf)
  • Documentation Infographic (pdf)
  • Interpreter/Translator Billing Documentation Tips (pdf)
  • Payee Review Checklist - Interpretation and Translation - Word document from EI Monitoring
  • Payscale
  • Early Intervention Central Billing Office (EICBO or CBO) Resources:

  1. Billing Information for Providers (pdf)
  2. Qclaims information
  3. EICBO – Billing Tips for Interpreters, Translators, and Interpreters for the Deaf

  Day 1.4: Practice Activity

  • Activity - Consecutive Interpreting Role Play (pdf)

  Day 1.5: Homework

  • Day 1 Homework:
    1. Practice sight and/or written translation of this document: Early Intervention Services (pdf)
    2. Explore toolkit resources
    3. Put any questions on the Padlet
    4. Obtain an English/target language dictionary to use during testing, as needed

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  Day 2: Introduction

  • EI Clearinghouse
  • Illinois Early Learning Project (IELP)  "Tip Sheets"

  Day 2.1: Rules and Regulations

  • Rules and Regulations
  • HHS.gov page - Discrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National Original (including LEP)
  • Part C of IDEA (pdf)
  • HIPAA resources
  • HIPAA Privacy Rule FAQ: Disclosure of Protected Health Information to an Interpreter
  • Illinois Department of Early Childhood Act
  • 89 IL Admin Code 500 (Rule 500)
  • Child & Family Connections (CFC) Procedure Manual
  • Provider Handbook
  • Limited English Proficiency (lep.gov) - A clearinghouse for information, tools, and technical assistance on LEP Proficiency and language services for federal agencies, recipients of federal funds, users of federal programs and federally assisted programs, and other stakeholders. 

  Day 2.2: EI Partners

  • Illinois Early Intervention System of Supports 
    1. Printable version of IL EI System of Supports (pdf)
  • EI Partners:
    1. IDHS Bureau of Early Intervention
    2. Provider Connections
    3. Early Intervention Training Program (EITP)
    4. Central Billing Office (CBO or EICBO)
    5. Monitoring
    6. EI Clearinghouse
  • Child and Family Connections (CFCs)
    1. CFC map 
    2.  Interactive CFC Map
    3. CFC Listing
    4. CFC Search by County (IDHS) - it will ask for zip code in some counties
  • Service Coordination Model in Illinois (pdf)

  Day 2.3: EI Support and Services

  • EI Services - Sweet 16 (pdf)

  Day 2.4: Relationship-Based Practices

  • Activity - Supporting Principles in Practice (pdf, form)

  Day 2.5: Journey through EI

  1. Family Rights Handbook: State of Illinois' Infant/Toddler & Family Rights under IDEA for the Early Intervention System
     1. Español: (Derechos De Infantes & Familias Bajo IDEA)
  2. Family Rights in Early Intervention (from EI Clearinghouse)
     1. Resources related to the Family Rights Video Series 
  3. Family Journey: EI Process in Illinois
  4. Interpreter/Translator Roles from Referral to Transition (pdf)
  5. Referral resources:
     1. Child Find (public awareness) 
     2. Extend your Learning - Referral to Illinois Early Intervention (no credit version) - This interactive presentation provides an overview of the Illinois Early Intervention (IL EI) referral process and the 3 pathways for children and families to become eligible for IL EI services.  Additionally, this presentation explains the purpose and procedure for the 2 referral forms used in Illinois - the Early Intervention Standardized Referral Form and the Illinois Early Intervention Program Fax Back Referral Form. The importance of ensuring strong communication with referral sources and primary care providers throughout the referral process is a key factor throughout this presentation.
  6. Intake resources that might be useful
     1. Forms - these may need to be translated 
     2. Tools used:
        • • Ages and States Questionnaire: Social-Emotional (2nd version) (ASQ:SE-2) - Please check with your service coordinators for various documents related to age
          • RBI (Routines Based Interview) Report Form (pdf) - This form is designed to be used to report the findings from the McWilliam model of conducting the RBI.  Additional information on the RBI can be found at the Evidence-Based International Early Intervention Office (EIEIO) website.
  7. Briefing Session Tips for Interpreters (pdf)
  8. Video - How to Brief an Interpreter (from Bilinguistics - Speech Therapy TV)
  9. Evaluation Report Format(s):
     1. Evaluation-Assessment Report Format – R12-01-15 (Word document)
     2. Sample Evaluation-Assessment Report Format (pdf)
  10. Eligibility Criteria
  11. Managing the Flow (pdf)
  12. Tips for Family Visits (pdf)
  13. Positioning Tips for Interpreters (pdf)
  14. Video - Working with an Interpreter (from LSNJ Just Justice)

  Day 2.6: Homework

  1. Submit your questions to the EI Interpreter Padlet 
  2. Write your own introduction
  3. Continue to explore toolkit resources

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  Day 3: Introduction

  Video: Interpreter Breaks Down How Real-time Translation Works (from WIRED)

  Day 3.1: Journey Through EI Continued

  • IFSP resources
    1. IFSP pages: The links below are to the English and Spanish versions of the updated IFSP pages not in Cornerstone, which are editable or "writable" in Microsoft Word.  Also, please note that Section 7. Implementation and Distribution Authorizationlanguage has been updated to accommodate the ability of the team to consult with other IFSP team members more efficiently and without separate, specific consents per provider.  Additionally, the Spanish version has been completed (all pages translated, including the ones in Cornerstone) and for your convenience, pages are presented separately and as one document.
       • English - writeable IFSP pages (Word doc)
       • Español - writeable IFSP pages (Word doc)
    2. Videos: Bri IFSP
  • Transition Resources
    1. When I'm 3 Transition Guide
       1. When I'm Three Transition Guide Instructions (pdf)
       2. When I'm Three Transition Guide (Spanish) (pdf) and When I'm Three Transition Guide Instructions (Spanish) (pdf)
       3. When I'm Three Transition Guide (Arabic) (pdf)
       4. When I'm Three Transition Guide (Polish) (pdf)
       5. Additional Languages coming soon - check the ISBE Indicator 12 page
    2. Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois (ISBE) - also known as "Parent Guide to Special Education"
       1. Parent Guide to Special Education (Spanish) (pdf)

  Day 3.2: Professional Ethics

  • Activity – Ethical Guidelines (pdf, form)
  • Interpreter Code of Conduct (pdf)

  Day 3.3 Situational Considerations

  Activity - What Would You Do? (pdf)

  Additional Resources 

  • Resources for Bilingual Interpreters and Translators (pdf, updated 11/6/19)
  • Provider Connections Interpreter Search
  • Illinois Early Learning Project (IELP)  "Tip Sheets" - these are easy-to-read, one-page resources on a range of topics for parents and teachers of young children. All tip sheets are available in English and Spanish (Español)! Most Tip Sheets are available in Polish. Selected Tip Sheets are available in Korean, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, and French.
  • LEP Resources for Effective Communication

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  Professional Development Resources:

  • Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois (EITP) offers resources and opportunities for professional development for early intervention professionals in Illinois. 
    • EITP Events has all the live training events (online or in-person) offered by EITP. Check page regularly for the following:
      • Interpreter/Translator Forum - occurs once a quarter (every 3 months)
      • New to EI Forum - occurs the 1st Tuesday of the month, except in January and July; no registration required
    • Non-EITP Events has all events available for EI Credit from various sponsors (outside of EITP)
    • EITP Online Events has all online, asynchronous training events delivered through Canvas learning management system and offered by EITP:
      • Mission and Key Principles of Part C Early Intervention
      • Foundational Pillars of Early Intervention
      • It Matters! How Culture Impacts Our Work with Families
      • Using Live Video Visits in Early Intervention
  • StarNet offers training in Illinois for people working in early intervention and early childhood special education.
  • EI Clearinghouse offers books, videos, and more through its lending library and resources that can support you and your families in EI. 

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