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Fall 2024
Parent Liaison Spotlight
Child Life Specialist: A Family-Centered Resource
As your Parent Liaison, I'd like to share a personal experience I had last month while working with a Child Life Specialist at my daughter's hospital during her medical procedure. I first discovered this service about a year ago, and after being so impressed with the support we received, I knew I needed their help again this time. Prior to the procedure the Child Life Specialist created a customized, kid-friendly social story that I could share with my daughter and helped me advocate for her sensory needs. On the day of the procedure, having the Child Life Specialist there provided even more relief—they helped ease my daughter's fears, and their presence took so much of the stress and anxiety off of me as a parent. The entire experience was centered around our family’s needs.
Child Life Specialists are trained professionals who help children and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of medical experiences. Their services are designed to be age-appropriate and supportive, from explaining procedures in simple terms to offering emotional support through play, social stories, and other tools. I highly recommend reaching out to one if your child is facing a hospital visit or medical procedure.
For more information about Child Life Specialists, you can read this article What Is A Child Life Specialist?
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Meet your Parent Liaison: Stephanie Jimenez
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, six-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 four 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. Or, contact me at (847) 377-8867 or sjimenezchavez@lakecountyil.gov.
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Downloading and Saving Your IFSP Document
Your Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a key document that outlines your child’s needs and priorities for services as part of the Illinois Early Intervention program. It's important to download and save a copy for your records. If you experience any difficulties downloading it from the system, don't hesitate to reach out to your service coordinator for assistance. They are there to support you and ensure you have everything you need!
Click here to learn more about What’s in Your IFSP?
Early Intervention Playgroups
A big thank you to the Kohl Children's Museum and Brushwood Center for hosting our playgroups this summer! We also wanted to extend our gratitude to the families who participated—it was wonderful to see you there!
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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).
 Explore Local Fun
 Family First Center registration opens October 15
Click here to register
Save the Date
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
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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 visit the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse website.
Join TODAY! IL Early Intervention Family Support Group
IL Early Intervention Family Support Group This online support group is for parents and caregivers of children currently or recently participating in Illinois EI program and was organized by the Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse Parent Advisory Council. The Facebook group offers parents and caregivers an opportunity to share concerns, ask questions, and relay experiences regarding their child with developmental delays.
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.
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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.
211
 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
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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