New to Early Intervention

Tips For Getting Started as a Provider

Once you have been issued an Illinois Early Intervention Credential and are eligible to provide EI services, there are important things you need to know to get started. Below are some suggestions to getting started in EI.

• 1. Understanding Rules, Policies, and Agreements

  • Understand your responsibilities as defined in the Illinois Department of Human Services Payee Agreement for Authorization to Provide Early Intervention Services.

  • Become familiar with the Provider Handbook document and the EI Rule 500.

  • Understand what is needed to meet the Temporary Credential requirements.

  • Understand the continuing professional education requirements for credential renewal.

  • Understand the Ongoing Professional Development monthly meeting requirement begins when the EI Credential is issued.

  2. Staying Informed and Connected

  • Monitor the DHS Early Intervention, Provider Connections, Early Intervention Training Program, EI Central Billing Office, and EI Technical Assistance and Monitoring websites regularly to keep updated to any announcements or changes.

  • Subscribe to the Provider Connections RSS Feed to receive emails when updated information is added to the “Important News” section.

  3. Professional Development and Resources

  • View videos to receive EI credits at the Early Intervention Clearinghouse.

  • Refer families new to early intervention to available resources at the Early Intervention Clearinghouse.

  4. Administrative and Operational Requirements

  • Have access to the Internet.

  • Contact the Child and Family Connections Office(s) (CFC) in which you would like to receive referrals.

  • Become familiar with the Central Billing Office (CBO) billing/claims process.

  • Sign up with the Office of the Comptroller for Direct Deposit of EI Payments.