The Individualized Family Service Plan Process

This session focuses on the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process and each team member's role in that process before, during, and after its development. Participants divide into small groups according to their role and consider two vignettes. They discuss the IFSP process for their vignette and what their role would be. Participants consider the similarities and differences across roles and how the ideas they generate apply to their own work.

It is essential that presenters in this session include a family member of a child with a disability and an early interventionist and that both of them be well versed in intervention laws and regulations. Since these laws are constantly changing, presenters should be very familiar with the most recent legislation and regulations in their state and nationally. (See “Facilitator’s Guide” for resource listings.)

This session provides introductory information about the IFSP process. The session can be adapted for heterogeneous or advanced groups by having participants provide the groundwork information discussed in the lecturette. The activity is designed to be conducted in role-alike groups of families and early intervention and early care and education service providers. In such a session, the discussion should highlight the perspectives of individuals with different roles.