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Q & A

The Provider Connections Question & Answer (Q & A) page has been designed to assist in answering frequent questions about the EI Credentialing and Enrollment process. On this page you will find categorical links related to the process. Click on the link that best describes your question and a list of previously submitted Q & A's will result. If you are unable to locate your question/answer on this page, you will see a "Submit Question" button. Click this to submit your question to Provider Connections. Provider Connections will answer your question and in doing so may post the question and answer on the Q & A page for future users.

Application Process
Consultative Experience Requirement
Credentialing
EI Training
Enrollment

Q. What is the process for becoming EI Credentialed?
A. To apply for an EI Credential, persons must submit the required EI Credential Application and CBO enrollment application (except for Assistants). Before submitting an application review the specific credential requirements for the discipline in which you wish to become EI credentialed. This information may be found within the EI Credential Application and also at www.wiu.edu/providerconnections/credentialing/. If you meet the minimum educational requirement and have completed the required EI Systems Overview training, you may submit your application. Provider Connections will review applications within 10 days of receipt. If all requirements are met, including background checks, the applicant will receive a letter from Provider Connections with a form allowing them to go to an Illinois State Police (ISP) LiveScan Vendor to get their digital fingerprints taken for background check purposes. Fingerprint background check results are sent to Provider Connections from ISP electronically within 48-72 hours. Provider Connections will send the Child Abuse and Negelct Tracking System (CANTS) check to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for completion. This check takes 6-8 weeks to receive results. The application will be put "In Process" and appear as such on the Provider Connections website "Credential Search". Once all background checks are received, the credential will be issued.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Application Process

Q. How soon will I hear about the status of my application?
A. Providers usually receive a response regarding their application status within 2 weeks of Provider Connections receiving the application. You can also check the status by clicking on the "Credential Search" feature at www.wiu.edu/providerconnections and searching by your name.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Application Process

Q. Is EI credentialing mandatory in the state of IL to see a child birth to 3?
A. In order to provide services in the Part C Early Intervention Program through the Illinois Department of Human Services, it is required that persons hold a current Illinois Early Intervention credential.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Credentialing

Q. What are done with application materials when an application is denied for some reason?
A. Applications are retained at Provider Connections office unless the application itself was returned to the applicant for some reason. Typically applicants receive a letter from Provider Connections noting the deficiencies. Just the missing items need to be returned to Provider Connections, not another entire application unless more than one year passes from the date of application.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Application Process

Q. Does a provider have to see a certain number of EI children in a certain timeframe to remain credentialed?
A. Providers must receive at least one authorization/bill the EI CBO for services every 12 months to remain credentialed. If no services are provided and billed for every 12 months, providers are subject to being exited from the system due to inactivity.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Enrollment

Q. I was told that volunteering at a day care or doing respite care for children birth to 3 would count toward my 240 hours.Is this true? or do the hours have to be providing therapy to that population? I want to be credentialed for speech language pathology.
A. The 240 hours of consultative experience requirement is providing direct services in the discipline for which you are/will be EI credentialed to children birth to three with special needs and consulting with a same-disciplined provider regarding that direct service.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Consultative Experience Requirement

Q. Will people who have obtained a BS degree in communicativedisorders be able to recieve credentials for early intervention soon
A. A bachelors degree in communicative disorders meets the degree requirements for receiving a Service Coordination credential if employed by a Child and Family Connections. Licensure is required for those interested in working as a Speech Language Pathology Assistant or Speech Language Pathologist. Licenses are issued through the Illinois Department of Professional and Financial Regulations.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Application Process

Q. I recently recertified my DTV credential, which would have expired Sept. 30, 2009. I have already received my renewed credential. If I attend any trainings before Sept. 30, 2009, will those hours count toward my NEXT recert. (Sept. 2012) or must I wait until after Sept. 30 2009 to attend trainings for credit?
A. Continuing education used for renewal of an EI Credential must be taken during the credential period. In your case the new credential period begins October 1, 2009. Anything taken prior to that would not be accepted for the next credential renewal.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Credentialing

Q. I was placed in the EI program in March of 2008, I did not receive my first client until October 2008. When does my 18 months time start for the 240 hours?
A. Your 18 months begins on the date your credential was issued.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Consultative Experience Requirement

Q. How do I let the CFCs know that I am available to see kids? Is there a form that I need to fill out and let them know that I am certified with EI?
A. Once you have received an EI Credential and have confirmed you are enrolled with the EI Central Billing Office (Specialist only), you should contact the CFC(s)for which you will be taking referrals. CFC(s) may request more information from you such as a vita or resume. A listing of CFC Offices is located on Provider Connections website.
Category: Credentialing
Subcategory: Credentialing