Education
What is an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)?
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a comprehensive document and process designed to support infants and toddlers (from birth to age three) with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. The IFSP is mandated by Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States and focuses on early intervention services.
Key features of an IFSP include:
- Family-centered approach: Recognizes the family as the primary support system for the child’s development.
- Comprehensive assessment: Evaluates the child’s current levels of physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive development.
- Individualized goals: Sets specific outcomes for both the child and the family.
- Service coordination: Identifies and coordinates necessary early intervention services.
- Natural environments: Emphasizes providing services in the child’s typical settings, such as home or daycare.
- Transition planning: Prepares for the child’s move to preschool or other appropriate services at age three.
Components of an IFSP typically include:
- Child and family information
- Present levels of development
- Family concerns, priorities, and resources
- Measurable outcomes for child and family
- Early intervention services to be provided
- Natural environments where services will occur
- Timelines for services and review
- Service coordinator information
- Transition plans