Early Intervention in Illinois: Toddler Speech Delay Help

Updated November 2026.

If you are worried about your toddler's speech, you do not need to wait. Illinois Early Intervention (EI) offers a free developmental evaluation for children under 3, and anyone, including a parent, can make the referral. If your child qualifies, services like speech therapy can start at home or in your child's daycare.

Here is how to tell when to ask, how the Illinois program works, and what to expect from the first call to the first session.

When to ask about your toddler's speech

Every child develops at their own pace, but some signs are worth a conversation with your pediatrician. The CDC's Learn the Signs. Act Early. milestones are a good reference. Most children can:

• By 12 months: wave bye-bye, call a parent "mama" or "dada" or another special name, and understand "no"
• By 18 months: try to say three or more words besides "mama" or "dada," and follow one-step directions without gestures
• By 2 years: say at least two words together, like "more milk," and point to things in a book when asked
• By 30 months: say about 50 words and name things in a book when you point

Ask sooner if your child stops using words they used to say, does not respond to their name, does not point or gesture, or seems not to understand simple requests. Losing skills at any age should always be checked.

You do not need a diagnosis or a doctor's referral to contact Early Intervention. If your gut tells you something is off, it is fine to ask.

What is Early Intervention in Illinois?

Early Intervention is a statewide program for children from birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities, or who are at risk for them. Since July 1, 2026, it is run by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood, which took over from the Department of Human Services.

EI can help with speech and language, movement, thinking and learning, social and emotional skills, and self-help skills like feeding. Services are built around your family's daily routines.

Who qualifies for Early Intervention?

A child under 36 months can be eligible if they:

• Have a delay of 30% or more in at least one area of development, or
• Have a diagnosed medical condition likely to cause a delay, or
• Are at risk of a substantial delay because of certain factors defined by the state

Eligibility does not depend on family income. Evaluations are free for every family.

How the process works

1. Contact your Child and Family Connections (CFC) office. Illinois has 25 regional CFC offices. You can call yours directly, or ask your pediatrician to refer you. Find yours on the IDEC Early Intervention page.
2. Intake visit. A service coordinator explains the program, asks about your child and family, and gets your consent.
3. Free evaluation. Specialists look at your child's development across all areas, often through play.
4. Eligibility decision and plan. If your child qualifies, the team writes an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) with your goals. This must happen within 45 days of the referral.
5. Services begin. Services should start within 30 days after you sign the IFSP.

Call as soon as you have a concern. The 45-day clock only starts once you reach out.

What does Early Intervention cost?

Evaluations, assessments and service coordination are always free. Some therapy services can be billed to private insurance or Medicaid. Illinois has also charged some families a family participation fee in the past, but IDEC's EI page says family fees remain suspended. Ask your CFC office about current costs for your situation.

Can Early Intervention happen at daycare?

Yes. EI is meant to happen in a child's natural settings, which includes home and child care. Many families arrange for a speech therapist to visit their child's classroom, so the therapist can work with your child during real routines and show teachers strategies to use all week.

If you would like services at daycare, tell your service coordinator and your child's center. Ask the center about scheduling, space and any paperwork they need from the therapist.

How daycare teachers can help

• Share observations. Teachers see your child with peers every day. Ask what they notice about talking, understanding and play.
• Use the same strategies. When teachers and parents use the same words, gestures or picture cards, children learn faster.
• Talk a lot. Narrating the day, reading books and singing songs gives toddlers many chances to hear and try words.
• Give time to answer. Pausing and waiting a few seconds invites a child to communicate.

Teachers cannot diagnose a delay, but they can tell you what they see and support the plan once you have one.

What happens at age 3?

Early Intervention ends at your child's third birthday. If your child still needs support, the next step is your local public school district, which provides free evaluations and early childhood special education starting at age 3. Your EI service coordinator will help plan this transition, usually starting several months before the birthday.

For the full timeline, see our guide to moving from Early Intervention to preschool at age 3.

Frequently asked questions

At what age should a toddler be talking?

Most children say a few words by 18 months and put two words together by age 2. If your child is not doing these things, talk with your pediatrician or contact Early Intervention.

Do I need a doctor's referral for Early Intervention in Illinois?

No. Anyone can refer a child, including parents, doctors and child care providers.

Is Early Intervention free in Illinois?

Evaluations and service coordination are free. Some services may be billed to insurance. Ask your CFC office about current family costs.

Will Early Intervention label my child?

EI focuses on support, not labels. Many toddlers who get early help catch up and no longer need services by the time they turn 3.

Talking and learning at Children's Land

In the Children's Land toddler program, teachers focus on social and academic language, reading books with children, and introducing simple words and phrases in English, Spanish and/or Russian. If you have a concern, our teachers will gladly share what they see in the classroom. Find a location or contact us with questions.

Related reading: Encouraging Speech Development in Toddlers: Tips and Activities.