Ifsp Collaboration Process Flowchart

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IFSP Collaboration Process Flowchart:

Ashley Shetter

Referral/intake
- This is the initial stage of early intervention that opens the door to services. Referrals
can come from other professionals, family members or friends connected with the
family It is the first time that the family will meet face to face with the service
coordinators. It is an opportunity to introduce the concepts and elicit an interest in EI.
Referrals can come from other professionals, family members or friends connected with
the family. The role of the interventionist at this stage is describe the purpose of early
intervention, explain visitations, introduce additional concepts (child-centered,
naturalistic, parent implemented, etc.). In order to collaborate effectively during this
initial stage, the service coordinators should communicate in the families preferred
method of communication and be mindful of any cultural or ethnic differences. The
Service providers will also explain the early intervention stages to the family so that they
can make determinations as to whether or not this is something they wish to pursue.
Examples of things the service coordinator will go over include initial questions the
family may have, time lines, family’s role, insurance, evaluation process and the family’s
rights. This stage paints a picture of early intervention process so it is important that the
providers communicate effectively with the family during this time. Establish the
importance of the family’s role as a team member during this stage.

Evaluation
This is the stage in which the team determines eligibility of services. A team of
professional with a range of specialties will take a look at the child’s overall development. The
team will use developmentally appropriate testing procedures to gather information. The
service providers will ask the family questions regarding how the child meets their basic needs,
talks, navigates and interacts with their environment. During this time the child will be ask to
participate in age appropriate activities. This is a crucial time to listen to the families concerns
and establish continued support throughout this process. This can be a very stressful time for
parents so it is important to create a positive/reassuring environment.

assessment ->
- The assessment process must occur within the first 45 days of referral. During this stage
the team is going to use a multi-modal approach to determine the child’s current
developmental age and level of participation within family routines. The team will
observe the child participating in activities across setting to determine the child’s
interests and gain a complete picture. The service providers will discuss with the family
their interpretation of their child’s level of functioning, participation, identify the
family’s priorities. It is important during this stage that the professional encourage the
family’s participation and establish the importance of their role.

IFSP developed ->


- During this process the service coordinator and other team members will determine the
primary service provide that fits best with the families needs. Will discuss with the
family the results of the assessment, the child’s strength, current developmental level,
and areas in need of improvement. It is important to highlight the child’s strengths in
order to not discourage the family members you are working with. This will help to build
a stronger relationship with the family and show that you are invested in supporting the
family. It is important to work with the family to identify developmentally appropriate
and functional outcomes. Will use jargon free language to discuss results and establish
outcomes. Professionals will encourage the family to come up with outcomes that are
appropriate and meaningful to them. When the family signs the document agreeing to
services, the team has 30 days to begin intervention

6month IFSP reviews/ Annual IFSP meeting


- During this stage of the program, the team will discuss any progress that has been made
or revisions/modifications that are necessary for the child’s continued development.
The team will also make determinations regarding the child’s continued eligibility for
services. At this time, it may be appropriate for role release, where team members with
other skills and expertise hop on the case in order to meet the needs of the child and
family. This is a great time to highlight how far both the child and family have come
since they first started with services.

Transition at 3years of age


During this stage of services, service providers are required to make transitional plans
with the family 9 months before to at least 90 days before the child’s 3rd birthday. The service
providers will walk through the transition process describing Part B procedures. This meeting
will clarify information regarding the evaluation and determination practices for IDEA part B.
During this time the school district will be notified of a potential eligibility for special education
services. The service providers can also assist the family in making alternative decisions
regarding the child’s services. The family can request that the service provider attend the IEP
meeting. The service provider will work with the family to inform the family on all their options
and identify what works best for their family.

UConn Manual, pp12-88 (from Identifying Family Interests: Beginning the


Partnership through The IFSP Team Meeting)
Brown 2003 Advocacy for Children Under IDEA (note the publication date - before IDEA
2004 changes. Keep this in mind as you read the article. There was an important
change since then regarding parent consent for implementation of initial IEPs.)

Division for Early Childhood. (2014). DEC recommended practices in early intervention/early
childhood special education. Retrieved from
https://divisionearlychildhood.egnyte.com/dl/NRAghl7roM
https://ectacenter.org/~pdfs/topics/transition/MTCtoBTransitionGuidanceDoc.pdf

http://www.infantva.org/documents/PM-Ch8-9-12TC.pdf

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