Welcome to Provider Connections! Your Partner in Early Intervention
Who we are
Provider Connections is contracted by the Illinois Department of of Early Childhood to credential, enroll, and provide technical support to Early Intervention (EI) providers interested in the credentialing and enrollment process. As part of Western Illinois University’s Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education since 1997, Provider Connections has assisted the Illinois Department of Human Services in providing leadership in the Illinois EI system.
Our mission at Provider Connections is to ensure that professionals working in the Illinois EI System possess appropriate qualifications, enhance their professional growth, and strengthen their understanding of children ages birth to 3 with special needs.
Our knowledgeable and professional staff are committed to providing comprehensive support throughout every stage of the process—whether you require assistance with an application, credentialing requirements, or ongoing inquiries. In addition, our website offers a wealth of information to support our mission. At Provider Connections, we strive to ensure your experience is efficient, clear, and successful.
Are you a student considering a career in Early Intervention?
Explore career opportunities available across a variety of disciplines by visiting our Early Intervention as a Career page.
You can also visit IllinoisCaresforKids.careers to learn more about opportunities to support children and families in Early Intervention.
Are you a qualified professional interested in working with children from birth to age 3 with special needs?
Learn about the Early Intervention Credentials we offer and the associated pay rates. Visit the link and click the plus sign next to the credential you want to view for more details.
Interpreter and Translator Opportunities in Early Intervention
Bilingual interpreters and interpreters for the deaf play a vital role in ensuring families receive services in their preferred language. This includes in-person interpretation during service delivery and translation of Early Intervention documents into the child and family’s native language.
Learn more about opportunities for Interpreters and Translators in Early Intervention.
Are you ready to apply?
Follow these steps to get started:
- Download and complete the application form from our website.
- Use the checklist included with the application to ensure you provide all required documents.
- Register for the required trainings based on your credential through the Early Intervention Training Program (EITP).
- Mail your completed application form and documents to us at Provider Connections. Our mailing address can be found at the bottom of this page or on the application.
- Watch for an email with the subject line: Account Creation and Authorization Required for a DCFS Background Check, requested by Provider Connections/Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education. Follow the instructions in this email promptly.
- Monitor your email for a message outlining the next steps in the credential process.
Check out our Credentialing Toolkit for more information.
Already a provider?
Below are topics providers frequently ask about, along with links to pages with the answers.
- Use our provider search tool to view your credential information including your credential expiration date.
- Documents you need to go from Temporary to Full: Consultation Verification Form, Ongoing Professional Development Documentation Form
- Documents you need to update your billing address (please remember to update IMPACT):
Thank you for the important work you do!
COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease 2019)
Please see the links below for information and resources regarding the Bureau of Early Intervention’s response to COVID-19.
- Provider Connections COVID Resources (updated 03/14/22)
- FAQ (updated 8/7/20)
Click the image below to learn more about the system supports for Illinois Early Intervention!
