Contact Info
Please use the appropriate address below based on your shipping method.
| USPS Mailing Address | UPS, FedEx, DHL, and Other Shipping Carriers |
|---|---|
| If you are mailing documents or information through USPS, please use the following address: | If you are shipping documents or information through any carrier other than USPS, please use the following address: |
| Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education Western Illinois University #20 Horrabin Hall 1 University Circle Macomb, IL 61455 |
Provider Connections Western Illinois University 950 N Western Ave, Horrabin Hall, Room 20 Macomb, IL 61455 |
Phone: 800-701-0995
Fax: 1-309-298-3066
Email: providerconnections@wiu.edu
Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Central Time)
Provider Connections is aware of an issue with emails not being delivered to people with yahoo.com accounts. This could be due to a variety of factors. Other Early Intervention Partners have encountered issues with other email providers. Provider Connections responds within 5 business days of receiving new and renewal applications. If you have not received an email from us within that amount of time please contact our office by phone.
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Amy Betz, Program Director
Amy has a Bachelor of Science degree in Child Development/Early Childhood Education and a Master of Arts in Gerontology. She has worked with young children in child care centers, Head Start, early childhood, and early intervention programs. Amy has been at the Center since 1992. She began with Provider Connections as a Background Check Specialist, then a Technical Assistance, Marketing and Technology Specialist. In 2022 Amy became the Program Director.
Rob Derry, Workforce Development
Rob Derry, M.S. Ed, NCC, became involved with the Illinois Early Intervention System in 1997 when the Illinois State Board of Education granted STARNET responsibilities for early intervention credentialing. Rob was initially responsible for credentialing and enrolling all providers interested in gaining the ability to provide services in the, then Part H Early Intervention System. Rob became the project manager when Provider Connection added systems training responsibilities. Rob has five years experience working with children and families through the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Rob retired in 2022 and came back to assist with workforce development
Deb Grace, Enrollment/Impact Manager
Deb joined Provider Connections in October 2020 as Office Manager. Before that, she worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional with high school students and as a Credentialing Specialist, helping optometrists become providers with insurance companies nationwide. At Provider Connections, Deb processes new CBO enrollment applications, provides IMPACT technical support, completes background checks with the Illinois State Police and DCFS, and oversees budget responsibilities.
Keylee Grainger, Office Manager
Keylee joined the Provider Connections team in December 2025 as the office manager. With an associate degree in Early Childhood and multiple Level 4 ECE and Infant/Toddler credentials, she brings over 25 years of experience working with children from birth to age five. Her career includes owning and operating a licensed group/home daycare, serving as a Site Supervisor and Family Advocate for Head Start, and working as the Executive Director of an Early Learning Center. Originally from Chillicothe, Illinois, she moved to the area six years ago