Starting July 1, 2026, the Illinois Department of Early Childhood will officially become the lead agency for Child Care Licensing, Head Start State Collaboration Office Grant, Home Visiting, Early Intervention and the Child Care Assistance Program, Early Childhood Block Grant, and a range of other early childhood support to families, providers and educators.”

Should you have any questions related to this transition please reference our Transition FAQ’s (PDF). Should you need further support visit our Contact page where you can submit your questions. We are excited to continue this journey with you!

Annual State Application Under Part C of IDEA for FFY 2026

Early Intervention – Friday, March 20, 2026

Federal Fiscal Year 2026
United States Department of Education

Office of Special Education Programs
Potomac Center Plaza
Washington, DC 20202-2600

OMB NO. 1820-0550
Expires: 02/28/2027
CFDA Number: 84.181A

Pursuant to Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Illinois Department of Early Childhood and the Illinois Department of Human Services are posting the Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) 2026 Annual State Application Under Part C of IDEA. Part C of IDEA addresses services for children birth to 3 years of age with developmental disabilities or delays and their families.

The application will be posted at least 60 days beginning March 20, 2026.

The application may be viewed below for 2026 Annual State Grant Application Under Part C of IDEA. Public comment will be accepted on the application for 30 days, beginning April 01, 2026. All comments must be received in writing by close of business on May 01, 2026.

Comments may be sent by:
Email: DHS.EIQuestions@illinois.gov
Fax: (217) 524-6248
Mail: Illinois Department of Human Services, Bureau of Early Intervention
823 East Monroe Street - Springfield, IL 62701

If you have questions or need the application in a different format, please contact Katie Jacobs, Bureau of Early Intervention at (217) 299-7158 or by email at Katie.Jacobs@illinois.gov.

DRAFT ANNUAL STATE APPLICATION UNDER PART C OF THE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT AS AMENDED IN 2004 FOR FEDERAL FISCAL YEAR (FFY) 2026 (pdf)

CHILDREN (325 ILCS 3/) Department of Early Childhood Act

ADMINISTRATIVE CODE TITLE 89: SOCIAL SERVICES CHAPTER IV: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SUBCHAPTER e: EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES PART 500 EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM SECTION 500.20 DEFINITIONS

TITLE 89: SOCIAL SERVICES CHAPTER IV: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SUBCHAPTER e: EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES PART 500 EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAM SECTION 500.APPENDIX A SLIDING FEE SCHEDULE