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When infants and toddlers need additional support with their development, you’ll get an Individualized Family Service Plan, also known as an IFSP.

Hundreds of thousands of children throughout the USA receive early intervention services each year, and the program is set to expand even further.

It can be daunting if your child needs additional support at an early age. However, IFSPs are important because they help kids to fulfill their potential. Understanding what an IFSP involves can make the process easier to understand and helps young children to feel better supported. This article discusses IFSPs in more detail, including what services they might include and how to get a plan.

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What is an IFSP?

An IFSP is a process, as well as a document, that sets out what the individual plan is for a specific child. If a child is eligible for early intervention services, an IFSP is provided to the family. No two plans are the same – each is individual to the child in question. Plans are provided for children from birth up to age three if needed. They’re designed to support children who require additional help with communication, physical ability, cognitive, self-help, or social and emotional skills.

The IFSP sets out the outcomes the family desires for their child. It also outlines the services and supports the child requires to meet these outcomes. It also details how, when, and where these services will be provided. The plan is developed by a team that includes the child’s family. This team must review the IFSP every six months and update it at least once per year. This involves reviewing the child’s progress and ensuring that the plan still meets their needs or changes if they have changed. Everyone involved can access the plan.

Each state has its system for developing IFSPs and providing early intervention services. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the system in your state. The plans are part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

What is early intervention?

Early intervention involves providing services and support to kids aged up to three who are behind with developmental milestones, for example, walking and talking. Sometimes, children might receive these services if they have certain health conditions that affect their development; for example, children who are deaf and find communication more challenging. At an early age, children’s brains develop rapidly. Early intervention helps them to make progress sooner and allows them to develop essential skills. IDEA specifies that these services should be provided in as natural a setting as possible. Often this means services are provided at home or in a childcare setting.

Early intervention is not only for children with disabilities or severe delays. Many early intervention services are available free of charge, but for some more specialized services, you might need to pay fees. When you know what services your child is eligible for, you can learn more about the costs involved.

Services that might be included in an IFSP

A broad range of services might be included in an IFSP, which depends on the child’s needs and the family’s goals. Services that are commonly part of IFSPs are:

  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Vision or hearing services
  • Psychological services
  • Medical or nursing services
  • Nutrition services
  • Social work
  • Home visits
  • Transportation

People who are involved in an IFSP team

An IFSP includes several professional specialists. One example is a services coordinator, a key professional working closely with families; every IFSP team has one. This person is responsible for organizing the services and supports that the child needs and scheduling the required services, and is typically the main contact for the family. Other people who must be included in the team are:

  • The child’s parents or caregivers
  • Other members of the child’s family, as requested
  • An advocate from outside the family, if requested
  • Professionals who are involved in assessments and evaluations of the child
  • Professionals who are providing early intervention services to the child

In addition, the IFSP might include other professionals depending on the child’s needs. These could include:

  • Healthcare providers
  • Social workers
  • Therapists
  • Child development specialists

How to get an IFSP

A child must be identified as eligible to receive an IFSP. If you’re concerned about your child’s development, the first step is to consult with your pediatrician. You can then organize an evaluation of your child, including assessing their skills. The evaluation also involves discussing your worries, resources, and requirements. This information is used to identify whether the child is eligible for an IFSP. If they are identified as eligible, you must provide written consent for a plan to be created and put into action. The IFSP team can then develop an individual plan of services and support to meet your child’s needs.

IFSPs give children the support they need

Getting an IFSP might feel intimidating, but these plans are there to help kids develop to their full potential. If a young child is not meeting their milestones and needs extra help, these plans can support them to catch up and make progress while they’re still at an early age. Because these plans are so individualized, they’re designed to give the help and support that can help the child progress. Speaking to your doctor about your concerns can make a big difference in supporting your child’s development.