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McLean County Local Interagency Council
P.O. Box 271
Bloomington, IL 61702-0271

For More Information Call:
(309 ) 888-5539

1. What is MCLIC?
2. Who is at the table?
3. What does MCLIC do?
4. Why should parents join?
5. What happens at meetings?
6. Do parents’ opinions really matter?
7. What is expected of me at the meeting?
8. Can I bring my child?
9. What am I committing myself to if I join?
10. Can I bring a friend?
11. Will I know anybody there?
12. Am I allowed to talk during the meeting?
13. How is the meeting organized?
14. Who makes decisions?
15. Can I arrive late or leave early?
16. When are the meetings?

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What is MCLIC?
MCLIC is the McLean County Local Interagency Council - an organization of parents, community members, educ

ators, various therapists, and other providers who serve families with children under age five years old.

The Illinois Department of Human Services provides a grant to pay for a part-time coordinator and expenses. IDHS describes a Local Interagency Council as: “Local Interagency Council’s (LIC’s) are components of the statewide infrastructure of the Early Intervention Services System. The LIC’s emphasize planning at the local level to identify and coordinate all resources and services available within each Child and Family Connections (CFC) local service area. LIC’s operate as a forum for discussion, planning, and resolution of service delivery issues within each CFC local service area.”

 

Who is at the table?

• Parents of children, most often parents of children who have received services in the Early Intervention program.
• Community members who are interested in the welfare of very young children.
• Educators - representatives from McLean County school districts.
• Various Early Intervention providers, including OT/PT, speech and developmental therapists, and others who serve families with children under age five years old.
• Child and Family Connections #16, an agency that coordinates Early Intervention services for children ages birth to the third birthday.

What does MCLIC do?
As a community group, MCLIC is charged with:

• identifying needs and trends of children birth to age five who have developmental delays or disabilities,
• increase public awareness of the Early Intervention/Early Childhood system of services, and
• “find” children who are eligible for services and inform parents of the services that they may receive.

Why should parents join?

• This group is often the first to hear new information about the system of services and changes that may be coming.
• Many parents say that they feel like they have “insider knowledge” about what is available for their child and how they can find the best services for their family.
• Know that you are not alone. Join a supportive team of parents and service providers committed to the best system of services available to families in Illinois!

What happens at meetings?

• Meetings last about 90 minutes, sometimes a bit longer, but we always try to end on time!
• We always start with introductions and information sharing. Each person at the table introduces themselves and can share any piece of information that they choose. You will often hear about upcoming events, new services, or trainings.
• After introductions the group will give project updates, discuss current issues, raise concerns, or address other agenda items.
• Occasionally we invite a speaker.

Do parents’ opinions really matter?
Absolutely! When we talk about choosing priorities and finding solutions, parents’ opinions are as important as any other person who may be at the table.

Parents help MCLIC members identify the strengths and challenges of the system of services for very young children with developmental delays and disabilities. With parents at the table, MCLIC can make sure that ultimately we are working to keep the services that are offered “family friendly.”

 

What is expected of me at the meeting?
We hope that parents will participate in the meeting as much as they feel they are able to do so. If you are comfortable joining in a conversation, we will listen respectfully to your opinion and ask questions to help us understand. If you prefer to observe the meeting, we will understand and not call upon you to speak. When you are comfortable you may participate.

 

Can I bring my child?
Children are welcome at the MCLIC meeting. Infants and toddlers who can sit with their parents are no problem. It is helpful if children have something to do during the meeting, as “we adults are boring.” We can offer a stipend to parents to help cover child care and other expenses related to attending meetings. Please ask the MCLIC Coordinator about a stipend. We ask parents to keep in mind that this is a meeting where open discussions are important. You are free to come and go from the meeting as needed to meet your child’s needs.

 

What am I committing myself to if I join?
Parents may choose to attend one meeting or all scheduled meetings. Parents are welcome to participate in committee work, but are not required to do so. MCLIC meets 6 times a year. Expenses related to participating in MCLIC Council meetings, committee meetings, and parents support activities can be reimbursed to parents. Committee choices include Child Find, Transitions, and Public Awareness and Recruitment.

 

Can I bring a friend?
All members of the community are welcome. Bring a friend, bring another parent of a child with a developmental delay or disability, bring a spouse. All are welcome!

 

Will I know anybody there?
It is quite possible that you will know people sitting at the table. Perhaps you will see a person who provides services to your family. You may be surprised that a neighbor or friend is a member of MCLIC. Perhaps another parent that you know also attends.

 

Am I allowed to talk during the meeting?

• Yes, please. We hope that you will participate in the conversations, ask questions, and bring up issues that you think the group may be able to address.
• Parents report that their confidence and understanding of the services that their child may receive is better after being involved in MCLIC.

How is the meeting organized?

• Meetings begin at 9:00 am. They are scheduled to end at either 10:30am or 11am, depending upon the agenda length.
• Everyone’s opinion has equal value. We hope that all participants can be respectful of others
• Information presented in the meeting can be shared with others.
• People speak one at a time.
• MCLIC is a supportive, culturally sensitive, and family-friendly environment.
• Please feel free to come and go from the meeting to address your child’s needs.
• We understand that parents who have children present may need to remove them temporarily if they become disruptive.
• Mobile phones should be set on “vibrate”, or turned off. If a call must be taken during the meeting, please ask the caller to hold, then leave to room to continue the conversation.

Who makes decisions?
Most decisions are made by committees. Occasionally the entire council will need to vote on a decision. In all cases, each member has one vote. All votes have equal weight, so your vote counts! Your vote insures that you have a voice in how the system works.

 

Can I arrive late or leave early?
We understand that our meeting times/days are not always convenient for everybody. If we know that you may be arriving late we can save a chair for you near the door.

 

When are the meetings?
Please see the EVENTS section of the web site for our meeting schedule or contact us at (309) 888-5539.

 

 

Google MCLIC

• Organizational Profiles
• Our Vision
• Transition Agreement
• Frequently Asked Questions