Special Education-Grants for Infants and Families - Early Intervention - Training Program

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), Division of Family and Community Services (FCS), awards a successful candidate a grant for the establishment and operation of an Early Intervention (EI) Training Program. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C (34 CFR 303) and the state Early Intervention Services System Act (325 ILCS 20/), both require the establishment of a comprehensive system of personnel development for the Early Intervention Program. This system must provide pre-service and in-service training for providers serving children in the EI Program. The EI Training Program helps ensure that the Illinois EI Program meets Federal rule (34 CFR Part 303.118) requirements for a comprehensive system of personnel development, which must include the following: (1) Training personnel to implement innovative strategies and activities for the recruitment and retention of EI Providers; (2) Promoting the preparation of EI Providers who are fully and appropriately qualified to provide EI services under this part; and, (3) Training personnel to coordinate transition services for infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities or delays who are transitioning from an EI Program 663 under Part C of the Act to a preschool program under section 619 of the Act, Head Start, Early Head Start, an elementary school program under Part B of the Act, or another appropriate program.