Core Knowledge Areas Requirement
As a part of Rule 500 Early Intervention, the Illinois Department of Human Services established guidelines defining basic core educational content knowledge areas that all credentialed providers (except Parent Liaisons) must document to become/remain a provider in the Illinois EI system. This requirement is a CUMULATIVE TOTAL of ALL coursework and/or workshops completed by an individual focusing on infants and toddlers (Birth to 3) with special needs. Once this requirement has been fulfilled and providers have received verification from the EI credentialing office, it will not be required again. The core knowledge area requirements are as follows:
Completion of educational experiences that include the equivalent of at least 2 semester hours or 30 clock hours in each of the following:
- Typical and Atypical Child Development (at least 1 semester hour or 15 contact hours in each area)
- Working with Families with Young Children* with Special Needs
- Intervention Strategies for Young Children* with Special Needs
- Assessment of Young Children with Special Needs
* Young Children is defined as children age birth to 3. The documentation submitted must specify this age range.
Individuals who hold a credential on July 1, 2007, other than individuals that hold a professional license in the state of Illinois, as set forth in Appendix C, as part of the first subsequent credential renewal application process, must provide documentation of the completion of educational experiences, as approved by the Department that include at least two semester college hours or the equivalent (30 clock hours or CEU credit hours) in each of the above early intervention core knowledge content areas. Parent Liaisons are not required to provide this documentation.
To qualify for a temporary credential, developmental therapists must document completion of educational experiences, as approved by the Department, that include at least two semester college hours or the equivalent (30 clock hours or CEU credit hours) in each of the above early intervention core knowledge content areas. As of July 1, 2007, all other applicant for a temporary credential, other than individuals that hold a professional license in the state of Illinois, as set forth in Appendix C, shall document completion of these educational experiences within 18 months after issuance of a temporary credential. Extensions of up to six months may be allowed upon request in writing, received at least 30 days before the expiration of the credential, setting forth the facts concerning noncompliance with this requirement. The Department’s credentialing office will consider hardship and other extenuating circumstances and determine if an extension should be granted on an individual basis.
All coursework/workshops submitted MUST INCLUDE SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION THAT CLEARLY DESCRIBES THE CORE AREA COVERED, THE BIRTH TO 3 WITH SPECIAL NEEDS COMPONENTS AND THE TIME SPENT ON THESE COMPONENTS. Such documentation should include course syllabi, catalog descriptions or letters from course instructor/professor. New Applicants and renewing providers attempting to document the core knowledge areas should outline their courses and workshops/seminars on the Summary of Core Knowledge Areas Requirements (pdf) document within the credential application.
Workshops and coursework are reviewed for credentialing credit ONLY at the time of initial application and renewal. When a credential is issued/reissued, a Portfolio Checklist will be sent along with the credential & cover letter. This checklist outlines ALL information that is contained in a providers EI credential file including the number of workshop/college hours credited to meet the core area requirements.