New Credentials
Policy Change Effective April 1, 2007 for New Early Intervention Credential Applicants
In the interest of creating the safest possible environment for young children being served by credentialed Early Intervention Providers, the Department of Human Services, Bureau of Early Intervention requires the following checks for all providers applying for or renewing an EI credential:
  • CANTS/SACWIS (Child Abuse & Neglect Tracking System)
  • Criminal background fingerprint (State and possibly Federal)
  • Illinois Sex Offender Registry (SOR)

No Provider shall be credentialed to provide early intervention services without the clearance results from all checks being documented by Provider Connections. The following sections detail the background checks processes.

  1. The Authorization for Background Check (CANTS) CFS 689 form is included in the credential application packet and must be completed and returned with the entire application to Provider Connections, 1 University Circle, HH 32, Macomb, IL 61455. Results of the CANTS check are returned to Provider Connections from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services via postal mail about 6-8 weeks from date of submission.
  2. When Provider Connections has determined that the educational requirements are in compliance, a letter and form will be sent so the applicant may obtain Federal & State background check from a cooperating vendor (see below)1. The cost will vary per vendor and is to be paid by the Early Intervention Provider. Vendors will take fingerprints for searches using Live Scan biometric fingerprint technology and electronically send prints to the Illinois State Police and possibly the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Results are then returned to Provider Connections by electronic mail. When getting the Live Scan fingerprint, please have the following items with you:
    1. Valid Photo ID, The following are the only acceptable forms:
      • Driver's License
      • State Identification Card
      • Military Identification
      • Firearms Owner's Identification (FOID)
    2. Early Intervention Service Provider Fingerprint Form with Provider Connections
    3. Cash, money order, or credit card for the fee. Personal checks are not accepted.
  3. Provider Connections will check the applicant's name on the Illinois Sex Offender Registry to determine if the applicant has been identified as a Sex Offender.

NOTE: A previously conducted background check will be accepted as long as it was conducted using Provider Connections ORI # and is no more than 1 year old at the time of applying for an Early Intervention Credential. This does not apply to CANTS. A new CANTS CFS 689 form must be submitted with the application.

Information concerning background checks obtained by Provider Connections shall be kept confidential. If it has been determined that an applicant for an EI credential has not served or completed a sentence for a conviction of any of the felonies set forth in 225 ILCS 46/25 (a) and (b) within the preceding five years [5 ILCS 500/50-101] and; has not been indicated as a perpetrator of child abuse or neglect in an in an investigation by Illinois or another state for at least the previous five years and; that the applicant has not been identified in the Sex Offender Database as a sex offender and the applicant has met the requirements for credentialing according to Rule 500; then Provider Connections, overseen by Department of Human Services, Bureau of Early Intervention, shall issue the applicant a credential.

For further information or guidance regarding criminal history records checks, please review the Guide to Understanding Criminal Background Check Information provided by the Illinois State Police: http://www.isp.state.il.us/media/docdetails.cfm?DocID=508.

Approved Vendors

1 Live Scan Vendor information is included in this document. Provider Connections includes this information, which is not a complete listing, only as a courtesy to vendors who have submitted their contact information. Provider Connections does not solicit, endorse, or guarantee the services provided by any vendor listed here.