The earliest efforts can change a child’s ability for a lifetime. The Early Intervention Program of Florissa is geared for children birth to three years of age. Early Intervention (EI), funded in part by the United Way of Lee County, is located in Florissa, a pediatric developmental center at 144 North Court in Dixon.
EI services are designed to improve a child’s growth in the areas of language, speech, motor coordination, self-help skills, and social development. Developmental, Physical and Speech therapies are available as part of the comprehensive overall EI program.
Parental involvement is an integral part of the program. This approach is designed to teach parents how to incorporate these skills into their child’s daily routines.
Kreider Services play group, Developmental Playgroup, is provided to any child between the ages of 2-4. This social group helps develop socialization, language and integration skills.
Contact Trina OBrien for more details about Early Intervention.
FAQS about Early Intervention Program
- What is the purpose of Early Intervention?
To help children between the ages of birth to three with disabilities or delays, learn and grow - Who can receive EI services?
Families with an infant or toddler who is birth to three years old and qualifies for the program - What services are offered in the Early Intervention Program through Florissa?
- Developmental Therapy
- Developmental Playgroups
- Speech Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Assistance in obtaining Assistive Technology
- How do I get started?
Depending on which County you live in, you contact one of the Child and Family Connections office listed below to get started. You will be linked with a Service Coordinator. The Service Coordinator will arrange to have your child evaluated to determine if he/she is eligible for Early Intervention services. - Who conducts the evaluation(s)?
Staff in the Early Intervention program of Florissa are available to conduct the eligibility evaluations. You may request an evaluation be done by one of the Early Intervention Professionals at Florissa, just let your Service Coordinator know. - If my child is eligible for Early Intervention, what happens next?
If your child is eligible for Early Intervention, then a meeting is held with you, your Service Coordinator and the Therapists that evaluated your child. Options for services for your child are presented. You decide at the meeting what services you would like your child to receive. If you are interested in receiving services from the Early Intervention Professionals at Florissa, you can let your Service Coordinator know. - One of the local resources that parents/families may be made aware of is one of the offices of Child and Family Connections (CFC). How do I get in contact with them?
1-888-297-1041 CFC (Carroll, Lee, Whiteside, DeKalb and JoDaviess)
1-800-921-0094 CFC (Ogle, Boone, Winnebago , Bureau, Marshall, Putnam)
