This report to the governor and legislature of Illinois concludes that the state currently has no comprehensive coordinated system of early intervention services for children and families needing such services. The report is in question and answer format and covers federal and state activities in early intervention, a definition of early intervention, current Illinois services being provided, eligibility, and recommendations. An executive summary lists the 21 recommendations. These include: establish a legal right to early intervention services for all eligible children and their families; adopt a definition of eligibility; define a state structure to provide early intervention services; name the State Board of Education as the lead agency for early childhood intervention services; create an Early Childhood Intervention Ombudsman; establish procedural safeguards for families; assure the use of the current program of home visiting and followup services for newborn infants; build linkages between at risk programs and local literacy programs; and appropriate sufficient new state funds. Appendices include the executive order mandating the interagency council and report; members of the Council, committee meetings dates and sites, and a synopsis of testimony at public hearings. (DB)