The individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written plan that is developed for infant and toddlers up to the age of 3. It is Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Act responsible for developing and implementing statewide early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families.
The difference between IFSP and an IEP, is that ISFP is written plan designed for the family while the IEP focus is the student. ISFP should include the following information:
- Your child’s level of functioning and needs
- Outcomes expected
- Family information Natural environment
- Where your child receives services
- Number of sessions your child will receive for the service
- Who will pay for the service
Services provided through early intervention based on your child’s needs include:
- Audiological services
- Vision services
- Occupational and physical therapy
- Special education service
- Speech and language therapy
- Medical and nursing service
- Nutritional services
- Psychological and social work services
- Health services necessary for your child to benefit from other early intervention services
- Family training, counseling, and home visits
- Transportation to enable your child and family to receive early intervention services
- Respite care and other family support services
Team Members
Individualized family service plan team members include:
- Evaluator
- Therapist
- Service Coordinator
- Parent or caregiver
- Other family members
- An advocate if requested by the parents
A service coordinator is provided to assist and enable an infant or a toddler with a disability and the family to receive services. The service coordinator also:
- Coordinates early intervention services and other services
- Facilitates and participates in the development, and evaluation of the plan
- Ensures services are provided in a timely manner
- Facilitate the development of a transition plan to preschool, or to other services.