Developing the IFSP
Once your child has been determined eligible for ESS, the team will develop an Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP). The IFSP helps to ensure that both your family and child receive the services and supports needed to help the child grow and develop. If you are willing, the IFSP should include a statement of your family’s strengths, needs and concerns relating to promoting your child’s development. It must, however, include the following:
- A statement of the child’s present level of physical development, cognitive development, communication development, social or emotional development, and adaptive development
- A statement of major outcomes expected to be achieved for both the child and the family, along with the methods, procedures, criteria and timelines to determine progress
- A statement of exactly what services will be needed to meet the needs of the child and family
- The natural environments in which the supports and services will be provided (If services will not be provided in a natural setting a statement as to why, a plan for the future provision of services in a natural setting and a time line for it must be included)
- The frequency, intensity, and method of delivery, and persons responsible for implementing the services, along with projected dates and duration
- A summary of document medical services a child may need such as hospitalization, surgery or medication and to the extent possible, funding sources (even though Early Supports and Services will not be required to pay for these services)
- The name, phone number, agency, and location of the case manager and the names of all team members
- Beginning at 24 months, the steps that will be taken to support the transition from Early Supports and Services to the school district, Area Agency services for children 3 years of age or older, or community programs (link to What happens when my child turns 3)
- Parent signature
What’s my role on the IFSP team?
What if I disagree with the IFSP?
My child is going to be 24 months, what is a transition plan?
