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Summer 2024
Early Intervention Playgroups
My journey as a parent of a special needs child began with my oldest who’s now 9. We struggled with what I initially perceived as typical pickiness- food textures and clothing posed ongoing challenges as she grew. Upon entering the school system, we encountered learning barriers, speech, and auditory challenges. Navigating the special ed system as a first-time parent, securing an IEP, and obtaining therapy services through a pandemic took years and numerous battles. I learned that we as parents and caregivers know our child best and become their biggest advocates.
Currently, my youngest is the first to benefit from Early Intervention, receiving both speech therapy and occupational therapy. I've come to have a deep appreciate the value of the program. Reflecting on my past experiences, I often wish I had known then what I know now - it would have made those years with my oldest less challenging and isolating. This is why I am proud to be part of your Early Intervention team. With my background as a parent and years of experience working for local nonprofits in Lake County, I'm well positioned to support families and eager to assist you with any questions, concerns or request you may have.
Here Are Some Ways I Can Help You
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Share information about support groups in the area and online that fit your specific needs.
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Provide requested information about resources for additional therapies, park district classes, library programs and/or fun family friendly activities in the area.
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Answer questions about Individual Education Plans (IEP) and 504 plans
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Provide a list of day care centers/preschools that fit family needs.
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Attend IFSP, 6-month review, transition and IEP meetings if requested.
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Connect families with children with the same diagnosis.
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Connect you with agencies that aid with grocery, clothing, and housing needs.
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Plan and invite all families to private EI playgroup/field trips in the area.
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Send useful information about developmental activities, play groups, family friendly events and more out to you 4 times a year.
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Just listen when you need to talk with someone who has been through similar circumstances.
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Talk about how EI can help with experiences you are facing.
Where Can You Find Me?
Contact your Service Coordinator (SC) with any requests or concerns, then the SC will provide me with information needed to contact you with a phone call or email.
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Join us in our next playgroup on July 20 and August 17! These Early Intervention playgroups give your children the opportunity to play, learn, and socialize in a supportive environment. These events are open to the public, space is limited.
¡Hola! Wiggleworms
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Dates: July 20, August 17
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Address: Brushwood Center, 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods, IL 60015
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Early Intervention Family Town Halls (Virtual)
Join the virtual town halls hosted by the Bureau of Early Intervention! Share your experiences, ask questions, and voice suggestions to improve early intervention. Chief Benny Delgado will personally address your queries. Meetings will be held online, providing information in both English and Spanish. Don't miss this opportunity to engage and make a difference!
REGISTER BY completing this form OR contact Sarah Isaacs, Email: isaacs@illinois.edu or Phone: 217-265-6875.
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Need an iPad or a Hotspot for Live Video Visits?
Many families are utilizing live video therapy visit to access Early Intervention services. To help families with technology needs, the Early Intervention Clearinghouse has added a variety of tech devices into its lending library:
- iPads with device and Internet access
- iPads without cellular data plan (device)
- Hotspot with cellular data plan (Internet access)
To request a device, please complete the Device Loan Request Form (also available in Spanish).
These stories offer comfort and connection during challenging moments. Ease separation anxiety with heartwarming reads like:
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"I Love You All Day Long" by Frencesca Rusackas |
"The Kissing Hand" by Audrey Penn |
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"Llama Llama Misses Mama" by Anna Dewdney |
Kohl Children's Museum Everyone at Play
KCM welcomes children with special needs and their families for an afternoon of learning and play focused on them. Our museum campus is designed for universal accessibility with a purpose to encourage linguistic, cognitive, motor, and social skills for all children ages birth to 8.
Event attendees will experience:
- 16 hands-on Museum exhibits
- One-on-one interactive activities with trained, registered therapy animals and other partners
- Quiet room for stimulation breaks
- Museum staff providing play support and guidance.
- A free family pass for 4 to return to the Museum.
Dates: 2024 - 6/30, 7/28, 8/25, 10/13, 11/17 Time: 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration and more information: Everyone at Play - Kohl Children’s Museum (kohlchildrensmuseum.org)
Check out the Waukegan Public Library's New Sensory Room
“The Comfort Zone: A Sensory Room for Kids, Friends, and Families provides a controlled environment to support individual self-regulation and empowerment, and promote mindfulness, skill development, creative expression, and resilience.
The room includes tactile activity panels, bubble tubes, peapod chair, floor mats, mirror, positive affirmation station, cushion walls, and a variety of fidgets, interactive activities, and lighting and sound options.”
Room Hours and Reservations
One-hour room bookings are available during regular library hours, with the exception of 15 minutes prior to library closing. Walk-in use is welcome anytime the room is available.
Click here for more information - Waukegan Public Library (waukeganpl.org)
PLAY CLOUD
PLAY CLOUD is the indoor children's playground filled with carefully chosen toys and play environment.
Chuck E. Cheese: Sensory Sensitive Sundays
Chuck E. Cheese has special Sensory Sensitive Sundays, at participating locations throughout Illinois. They open two hours early on the first Sunday of the month. This timing provides families a quieter, less-stimulating experience throughout the dining area and arcade. In Illinois the participating sites include Streamwood, Arlington Heights, Gurnee, and Crystal Lake.
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Brookfield Zoo Chicago: Play Zoo Sensory Room
Brookfield Zoo’s Hamill Family Play Zoo offers a sensory room where families can visit to have some quiet time. It features dimmed lighting, comfortable seating, and a variety of fidgets. BZ Care Kits are available at the North and South Guest Relations that contain noise-reducing headphones, name tags, and if lost ID bracelets and stickers. Sign language interpreters are available upon request (at least fourteen days in advance) for public programs and classes. Find out more about their accessible amenities before your visit.
Vroom App
Have you heard about Vroom? It's a Free app packed with tools to help you play a big role in your child's brain development journey.
Vroom shares simple tips based on science to make learning fun during mealtime, bath time, and more. It's easy to use and fits right into your daily routine!
Check out Vroom App - Boost your child's learning with free Vroom Tips
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Check Out the Early Intervention Clearinghouse Toolboxes!
The Early Intervention Clearinghouse staff has been busy making user-friendly digital toolboxes to help families find answers to their questions. These “one-stop-shop” resource collections provide information and links to a variety of tip sheets, online articles, videos and more on specific topics.
For more information see the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse Web site at Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse (eiclearinghouse.org)
C.I.T.Y. of Support
Check out C.I.T.Y. of Support if you are interested in connecting with a community of parents with children receiving therapy for any reason.
See their upcoming Summer Playground Playdates.
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Autism Family Cares
Check out Autism Family Cares! They provide support and activities for families with children on the autism spectrum. Family support group usually meets once a month in Lake County – follow their page for support, resources and events.
 Housing | Utilities | Food | Crisis | Health Care | Family Support | Employment
Click here for 211 information.
Free Gun Locks for Your Home
The Health Department, in partnership with the Lake County State's Attorney, is combatting gun violence by making gun locks available at the Health Department.
The Health Department is piloting gun lock distribution through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Gun owners with children in their homes can ask a WIC staff member for a gun lock at no charge. Keeping firearms locked up helps keep everyone safe. Let's work together to prevent gun violence.
WIC services:
Phone: 847-377-8420
Belvidere Medical Building
Physical Address
2400 Belvidere Road
Waukegan, IL 60085
Location Hours:
Monday,8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday,8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Friday, 8:30a.m.-4:30 p.m.
2nd Saturday of the month,
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) | Lake County, IL (lakecountyil.gov)
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Shape the Future: Your Feedback Matters!
Families exiting Early Intervention can anticipate a text invitation to complete the Family Outcome Survey. Your EI experience and thoughts are super important - they make EI better for families. Don't worry; your responses are confidential, and we appreciate your contributions in shaping the future of Early Intervention. Ask your service coordinator for more information.
Please inform your service coordinator of any changes in address, phone number or insurance coverage.
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