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Take Action for Early InterventionWith just a few weeks left in this legislative session, we aren't slowing down our Early Intervention (EI) advocacy efforts!


Despite EI's proven impact, thousands of Illinois families are being left on waiting lists and unable to access services, which they are legally entitled to receive under federal law. These service delays are tied directly to the program’s ongoing workforce crisis brought on by unsustainably high caseloads, low compensation and high turnover.


Last month, IDHS announced a proposed rate increase for EI providers, funded by $10 million in one-time accumulated Medicaid dollars. While we welcome this rate increase, we know we have more work to do.
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Read Start Early Policy Specialist Zareen Kamal's reflections on this rate increase and the deeper investment needed to stabilize our EI system.


Join us in calling on the General Assembly to substantially increase EI funding in the state's Fiscal Year 2026 budget and address the program's staffing shortage and severe backlog in services for infants, toddlers and their families!

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Ways to Act for EI:
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If you or someone you know are waiting for Early Intervention
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you have rights and
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can file complaints . Families are winning and getting services faster and money back if they pay out of pocket. For legal assistance, contact Peter Eatherton at Equip for Equality (312) 895-7355.
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Send a letter to your legislators urging them to increase EI funding by $60 million in the state's final FY26 budget
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Join
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Illinois Families for Early Intervention for the next
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EI Family Circle on May 20Thank you in advance for your commitment to our state's youngest learners and their families!



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