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There's a moment a lot of EI families describe the same way. Their child's third birthday is on the horizon, services are about to end, and someone hands them a packet about the IEP process. And the feeling isn't relief that they made it through early intervention. It's more like: wait, now what?
I hear this constantly from families. The transition out of early intervention is one of the most confusing moments in the whole therapy journey — and no one really prepares you for it. So let's talk about what actually happens in Illinois.
The shift from IFSP to IEP
In Illinois, the Early Intervention Program is administered by the Department of Human Services and accessed through 25 regional Child and Family Connections (CFC) offices — these are the entry point for families. EI services end when your child turns three. By law, transition planning must begin six months before your child's third birthday.
What the transition process looks like
Illinois holds a Transition Planning Conference before your child turns three. After that, the school district conducts a domain review to determine whether additional evaluations are needed. Once you sign consent, the district has 60 school days to complete evaluations, determine eligibility, and write an IEP.
Illinois also has a summer birthday provision: if your child turns three between May 1 and August 31 and qualifies for school-based services, you may choose to extend EI services through the summer rather than starting ECSE immediately. That choice is yours.
What school-based services look like after the transition
Services shift to a school or center-based setting. Many Illinois districts have joined cooperatives that share resources and services. Session frequency is often lower. The focus moves from family routines to school readiness.
What happens if your child doesn't qualify, or if the services aren't enough
The IEP process is not the end of the road. At Coral Care, we work with Illinois families who are bridging the gap, supplementing an IEP, or continuing in-home therapy as their primary service.
A few things to know
You are an equal partner in the IEP process. You can request an independent evaluation if you disagree with the school's findings. If the proposed services feel insufficient, you don't have to sign the IEP as written. Illinois's parent training resource is Family Matters (familymattersil.org), staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities and offering free help navigating school-based services. Keep copies of everything.
The birthday doesn't have to be a cliff
The third birthday is a transition, not an ending. If you're approaching this in Illinois and you're not sure what to do next, we're here to help.
Continue Your Child's Care with Coral Care →
Frequently asked questions
What are Child and Family Connections (CFC) offices in Illinois?
CFC offices are the 25 regional entry points for Illinois's Early Intervention Program. They handle intake, coordinate evaluations, oversee IFSP development, and manage the transition process as your child approaches age 3. You can find your local CFC office through the Illinois Department of Human Services.
What happens when Illinois EI ends at age 3?
Illinois EI ends on your child's third birthday. Transition planning must begin six months prior. The process includes a Transition Planning Conference, a domain review by the school district, and — if you consent to evaluation and your child qualifies — development of an IEP before the birthday.
What is the summer birthday provision in Illinois EI?
If your child turns three between May 1 and August 31 and qualifies for school-based services, Illinois law gives you the option to extend EI services through the summer rather than starting Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) right away. You can choose to transition immediately or wait until the school year begins.
Does my child automatically qualify for an IEP after Illinois EI?
No. The school district evaluates your child under its own criteria, which differ from EI eligibility standards. Not all children who received EI services will qualify for ECSE. If your child doesn't qualify, private therapy remains available.
Can my child get in-home therapy in Illinois after EI ends?
Yes. Coral Care provides in-home speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children across Illinois. Many families use in-home therapy to avoid a gap after EI ends, maintain the home-based model, or supplement school services that don't fully meet their child's needs.
