Child and Family Connections #3

Child and Family Connections #3 A family centered program for children birth–to-three who have or are likely to have delays in their development. We are Child & Family Connections #3.

Child & Family Connections serves as the single access point to Early Intervention services in the state of Illinois. There are 25 different offices located throughout Illinois. Our office provides services to families in Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, Lee, Stephenson & Whiteside counties. Anyone who suspects a child has delays can make a referral to Child and Family Connections (parents, doctors, nu

rses, childcare providers, or friends). You do not have to be certain there is a delay in development to refer a child. Simply call our office toll-free at: 888-297-1041. When a child is referred to our program, they will be guided through the EI process by a Service Coordinator. The first step in this process begins when the Service Coordinator meets with the family to provide information about EI, discuss family rights, complete necessary paperwork and assist the family in scheduling evaluations. There is no cost for evaluations. The Service Coordinator will then meet with the family and the EI evaluators to review the results of the evaluations and discuss eligibility. Next, the Service Coordinator will meet with the family and evaluators to develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan addresses how the team will support families in promoting their child's optimal development. Some examples of the services that may be provided are assistive technology, developmental, occupational, physical or speech therapy and hearing or vision assessments. Finally, the Service Coordinator will assist the family with the transition process when the child approaches 30 months. Funding is provided in whole or in part by the Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Part C Early Intervention. Our program is grant administered by the Regional Office of Education #8 that serves Carroll, JoDaviess & Stephenson counties. Please visit the following website for more information on the ROE #8: http://roe8.com/

If you would like more information about Early Intervention, please visit the following websites:

www.wiu.edu/providerconnections
www.eiclearinghouse.org
www.illinoiseitraining.org

*If you have concerns about a child who is over the age of 36 months, contact your local public school district for assistance.*

Food for thought for caregivers. ♥️
09/04/2026

Food for thought for caregivers. ♥️

A child can know the rule, understand what is expected, and have done it successfully many times before — and still struggle to do it in a particular moment.

Because being able to do something isn't just about knowing how.

When a child is overwhelmed, anxious, tired, overstimulated or dysregulated, their access to skills such as impulse control, flexible thinking, problem-solving, communication and emotional regulation can change.

This is why:

“But you KNOW better.”

“You did this yesterday.”

“We’ve talked about this before.”

…often doesn’t help.

Instead of asking, “Why aren’t they using the skill?” try asking:

“What is getting in the way of accessing the skill right now?”

Sometimes our children don't need another reminder of what they already know.

They need our help getting back to a place where they can use it.

— The Therapist Parent

09/03/2026
08/31/2026

Here is some additional information on the workshops in our last post.

08/28/2026
08/26/2026
08/25/2026

Thank you, Dolly.

For decades, Dolly Parton has helped put books into the hands of millions of young children through her Imagination Library, beginning at birth.

And those books represent so much more than learning to read.

In the earliest years, sharing a book is a chance for babies and toddlers to hear new words, explore the world, connect with the people who love them and build the relationships that help their brains grow. Long before a child can read the words on a page, they’re learning through every story, snuggle, point and conversation.

Inspired by her own father, who never had the opportunity to learn to read, Dolly turned a deeply personal experience into a commitment to making books more accessible to families, regardless of where they live or what they earn.

Her work is a powerful reminder that every child deserves opportunities to learn, connect and thrive from the very beginning.

Thank you, Dolly, for believing in babies.

08/25/2026

🚂 This Week at Platform 141 Play Cafe...

OPEN PLAY HOURS THIS WEEK:
Tuesday: 8am–1pm
Wednesday: 8am–1pm
Friday: 8am–1pm
Saturday: 9am–1pm

Have littles who need to burn some energy? Come play! Let them run, climb, tumble, imagine & explore. We promise… they’ll leave tired. 😉

If one of our current specialty drinks has been calling your name, now’s the time to stop in and grab one before they’re gone -- this is the last week for our August drink menu!

Just a reminder—you do NOT need to have littles playing to stop in! Swing by, grab yourself a drink or treat, and take it to go.

📍 141 W Railroad St • Lena, IL

We hope to see you this week! 🚂

And September is going to be a FUN one at Platform 141! 🎉 We have so many things in the works, including memberships, giveaways, a brand-new specialty drink menu & MORE!

We can’t wait to share everything we have planned. Stay tuned 💙

Play is therapy 🌱
08/25/2026

Play is therapy 🌱

Address

27 S State Avenue, Ste 101
Freeport, IL
61032

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Child and Family Connections #3 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category