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Provider Connections is contracted by the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Bureau of Early Intervention to credential, enroll, and provide technical support to EI providers interested in the credentialing and enrollment process. As part of Western Illinois University’s Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education since 1997, Provider Connections has assisted the Illinois Department of Human Services in providing leadership in the Illinois EI system. The mission of Provider Connections is to ensure that professionals working in the Illinois EI System possess appropriate qualifications, enhance their professional growth, and strengthen their understanding of children ages birth to 3 with special needs.

Provider Connections serves more than 5,000 providers throughout Illinois and its adjoining states. The credentialing and enrollment service links with several other state agencies, including the EI Central Billing Office (CBO), the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), the Illinois Office of the Comptroller, and the Illinois Child and Family Connections (CFC). With these entities and other key stakeholders in the EI System, Provider Connections initiates and maintains the high standards for participating in the Illinois EI Program.

For information on the staff, visit the about us page.

**Important Announcement**

The Early Intervention process for requiring Criminal Background Checks, CANTS/SACWIS checks, and Sex Offender Registry checks as a part of the EI credentialing will begin April 1, 2007 for NEW Credential Applicants. See www.wiu.edu/providerconnections/backgroundchecknew.html for details regarding this process.

Beginning July 1, 2007 all providers RENEWING their credential will be required to complete the criminal background, CANTS/SACWIS, and Sex Offender Registry checks as a part of the credential renewal process. The first group of renewing Providers who will be required to follow the process are those whose credentials expire July 31, 2007. See www.wiu.edu/providerconnections/backgroundcheckrenew.html for details regarding this process.

**Important Announcement**

Early Intervention Credentialing & Enrollment Satisfaction Survey

EI Video Use for Continuing Education

Beginning April 1, 2006 a maximum of 5 hours of EI Video credit may be used for every 30 hours of continuing education submitted for renewal and/or core knowledge area documentation purposes. Any videos completed prior to April 1, 2006 may be used even though they may exceed the 5 hour maximum. EI Approved Videos are available at www.illinoiseitraining.org/links.asp AND at Early Intervention Clearinghouse

Phone: (800) 701-0995
Fax: (309) 298-3066