Background Checks
Three background checks are completed on all credential providers:
1. Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS)
2. Fingerprint-Based Background Check
3. Sex Offender Registries Check
- The CANTS form is sent to the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for processing which can take up to 6 weeks. No CANTS form will be processed without a complete credential application.
Fingerprint-based background checks are usually done with livescan technology. This is more reliable than ink fingerprint cards. Very few police departments have been approved by the Illinois State Police for handling fee transactions for livescan. A list of approved vendors is found on the Provider Connections’ website. Several vendors have offices located throughout the state.
Early Intervention providers only need a state background check. Results are received in approximately 72 hours. The authorization form needs to be returned to Provider Connections and can be mailed or faxed. If prints are rejected, the provider will be notified by mail to be reprinted for an additional $10. If the prints are again rejected, a name check is completed and the process will have to be repeated at renewal.
- Provider Connections staff checks both the Illinois Sex Offender Registry and the DruSjodin National Sex Offender Public Website. You do not need to pay a vendor to conduct these searches.
Consultative Experience
Rule 500 states "In order to qualify for a full credential, an individual must complete and document consultation while providing 240 hours of direct services, for which they are being credentialed, to children ages birth to three with special needs and their families."
http://wiu.edu/ProviderConnections/policy/newsletters.php?id=19
Ongoing Professional Development
Ongoing Professional Development Plan (OPDP) activities are a once a month, non-billable, meeting held either face-to-face or over the telephone with an individual specialist-level credentialed provider or group, of which at least one member is a specialistlevel credentialed provider.
http://wiu.edu/ProviderConnections/policy/newsletters.php?id=9
Renewal
"Full" EI Credentials are valid for 3 years. Renewal requirements include Ongoing Professional Development meetings. Continuing Education, and at least the Child Abuse and Tracking System (CANTS) and Sex Offender Registry Background Checks.
http://wiu.edu/ProviderConnections/credentialing/renewapp.php
Required Trainings
Systems Overview
Credentialed providers with the exception of Service Coordinators, must complete Online Systems Overview before receiving an Early Intervention Credential. This training consists of an online portion along with a 1-day face-to-face session. Please visit the Illinois Early Intervention Training program at www.illinoiseitraining.org. Click training to search for Online Systems Overview.Service Coordination Training
Credentialed Service Coordinators have 90 days to complete Online Service Coordination Training, Online Systems Overview, and the Follow Up session. Service Coordinators have 18 months from their credential begin date to complete the 120 Core Knowledge Areas (see above Developmental Therapists section).Service Coordinator applicants must submit official transcripts.
Parent Liaison Training
Completion of Parent Liaison Training is required within 90 days after being issued a temporary credential for full credential status and continued enrollment.System Overview for Bilingual Interpreters/Translators
Bilingual Interpreters/Translators and Interpreters must document completion of System Overview for Bilingual Interpreters and Translators in the Illinois Early Intervention System. Applicants for Bilingual Interpreters/Translators must also demonstrate oral and/or written language proficiency using approved testing procedure.
