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Support For Families & Caregivers

Developmental therapy through Illinois Early Intervention

Play-based, relationship-centered support for infants and toddlers provided through the state supported Illinois Early Intervention program. Learn about eligibility and find your local Child and Family Connections office.

Start With Illinois EI

ILLINOIS EARLY INTERVENTION

Developmental support for young children within their everyday lives

In addition to my private practice, I provide Developmental Therapy (DT) as a credentialed provider through Illinois Early Intervention (EI), the state program serving eligible children under age three with developmental delays or diagnosed conditions.

Developmental Therapy through EI is guided by your child's developmental needs and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Our work is play-based, relationship-centered, and rooted in everyday routines, with caregivers actively involved along the way.

If your child is already enrolled in EI, or you're just beginning the process, here's how developmental therapy is accessed through the program.

Developmental Therapy considers how the following areas of development work together and influence a child's ability to participate, connect, learn, and grow:

  • Communication + language

  • Thinking + learning

  • Social-emotional development

  • Sensory processing + regulation

  • Movement + physical development

  • Adaptive + everyday skills

  • Play + engagement

How it works

Getting Started With Illinois EI

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    Referral

    Anyone can refer a child under three to Illinois Early Intervention, including parents. Referrals go through your local Child & Family Connections (CFC) office.

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    Evaluation

    Your child will be evaluated through the EI program to determine eligibility and better understand their developmental needs.

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    Your IFSP

    If your child is eligible, your family will develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) outlining the services and supports recommended for your child, which may include Developmental Therapy.

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    Working together

    If Developmental Therapy is included in your child's plan, you may be able to request me as your provider, based on availability. From there, our work takes place within your child's everyday environments and routines, with you actively involved in the process.

Visit the Illinois EI Resource Center

Questions about developmental therapy + Early Intervention

A few things to know before getting started.

  • Illinois Early Intervention serves eligible children from birth to age three.

  • Developmental Therapy happens through the everyday environments, relationships, and routines where young children learn best. Sessions are play-based and relationship-centered, with caregivers actively involved.

    We might play on the floor, work through a familiar routine, notice how your child communicates or regulates, or explore small changes that help them participate, connect, and learn.

    The goal is for what we discover together to carry into everyday life, giving you practical ways to understand and support your child’s development between sessions.

  • Developmental Therapy is provided through the Illinois Early Intervention system for eligible children under age three and follows the goals outlined in a child’s IFSP. Private Child & Family Developmental Consultation through Wonder Brightly is separate and does not require Early Intervention enrollment or an IFSP.

  • Yes. To receive Developmental Therapy through Illinois Early Intervention, your child must be enrolled in the program and have Developmental Therapy included as a service on their IFSP.

  • No. A diagnosis is not required. Children may qualify for Illinois Early Intervention based on developmental delays or certain medical or developmental risk factors. If you have concerns about your child’s development, an Early Intervention evaluation can help determine eligibility.

  • If Developmental Therapy is included in your child’s IFSP, you may be able to request Brittany as your provider based on availability and the requirements of the Illinois Early Intervention program.

  • Yes. Brittany also offers private Child & Family Developmental Consultation through Wonder Brightly, which is separate from Illinois Early Intervention.

  • Developmental Therapy is accessed through the Illinois Early Intervention system. If your child is eligible, services are identified through their Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Families interested in working with Brittany can ask their service coordinator about her availability. Once she is assigned as a provider, scheduling and communication take place directly through Wonder Brightly.

  • Yes. Families may work privately with Wonder Brightly without enrolling in Illinois Early Intervention. Private Child & Family Developmental Consultation may be helpful while waiting for services, if your child is not eligible or falls outside the EI age range, or if your family simply prefers private support.

Wondering which option is right for your family?

If your child is three or older, isn't enrolled in Early Intervention, or you're looking for support outside the EI system, Child & Family Developmental Consultation may be a better fit.

Some families receiving EI services also choose additional private consultation. If you're unsure which pathway makes sense for your family, I'm happy to talk it through with you.

Tell me a little about what you’re looking for, and I’m happy to help you figure out where to start.

Get in Touch