After a child is determined eligible for Early Intervention services, the Service Coordinator works with the family and other team members to develop a written plan  that describes the services and supports the child will receive.  Team members helping to write the plan minimally involve the family, Service Coordinator, and an evaluator.  Additional participants may include other family members, friends, teachers, physicians, therapists, or others.  Parents always have the right to invite whomever they wish to participate in the meetings.

 

The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is based on the child’s strengths and the family’s concerns and priorities.  The plan helps to identify what the family already has to help the child’s development, and what services might be needed.  The plan reflects home routines, family activities, community activities, and other natural learning opportunities.  The plan emphasizes services in “natural environments”, or settings that are common and normal for children of the same age but without disabilities.

 

The family is an equal partner on the IFSP team.  Families may request an IFSP meeting to discuss possible changes in the IFSP at any time by contacting the Service Coordinator.