The Individual Family Service Plan and Individual Education Plan document the supports and services provided for children with delays or disabilities.
Overview of the IFSP – Individual Family Service Plan
• Early Intervention
• Infancy to 2 years old
• Child’s present level of development in all areas
• Outcomes for the child and family concerns
• Provides services for the child and family to help them achieve their outcomes
Overview of the IEP – Individualized Education Plan
• Special Education
• Ages 3 to 21 years old
• Child’s present levels of educational performance
• Family’s concerns for the child’s education
• Focuses on the child’s educational needs through special education and related services
Family Role
Families are an important part of the IFSP and IEP team. Families are equal partners of the team that help make decisions about their child’s support services and placement. You play an important role as your child’s IFSP or IEP is being written or reviewed. During the meeting, you can ask questions, provide input, and advocate for your child’s needs. You know what is important to your child and you are your child’s best advocate!
Important information to share with the team:
• What is the best way to engage your child?
• What triggers your child?
• What does your child enjoy?
• What skills are you currently working on at home?
• What are your high expectations and long-term goals?
Preparing for the Meeting
While preparing for the meeting, think about your hopes and dreams for your child. What are your high expectations for your child?
You will want to share this information with the team. Write down a high expectation you have for your child, then list four or five things you want to share about your child. The All About My Child document can help you organize your thoughts. Include things that you know are important for your child to learn now. Include the skills you are working on at home. When your child practices the same skills at school and home, they understand that these skills matter, boosting their confidence. Celebrating each new skill learned helps reinforce these high expectations. Your child will continue building on the skills they have already learned. Think of each new skill as a building block, each one getting your child closer to the high expectations.
Writing down any questions you have for the team is also helpful. This keeps you focused and reminds you to ask what you need. Speaking up is not always easy, but asking questions can help you understand more and benefit your child. Bringing someone who knows your child to the meeting, like a friend or relative, can also help you feel supported. Sharing information about your child and asking questions shows your interest in your child’s education. It also shows that you will have an active role and are open and willing to communicate with the team.
Link to: High Expectations Advocacy Module
Resources
Advocacy Resource List is a list of free, confidential organizations in Indiana that provide resources and assistance to families.
Sharing Your Goals and Expectations for Your Child is a step-by-step guide to help families prepare for meetings by organizing their thoughts and thinking about the next steps.
What is an IEP? introduces what an IEP is and other special education terms.
All About My Child from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations. This document is
designed to be used to share information about your child. Families can complete this document
and give it to professionals to jumpstart expectations conversations.
5 Reasons Parents Play a Key Role in the IEP Process by: Kristin Stanberry Understood.
Next Topic: Setting goals that lead to your High Expectations
Hello,
I am so happy you are visiting the Early Childhood Insights blog! I want to tell you a bit about me – I am a mother to two grown boys and a grama. I have worked in the classroom and as a special education advocate helping families. I enjoy helping families navigate their children’s educational journey. I have personally experienced the journey of special education with my son. I could have done more to help him earlier if I had known more. My passion is introducing families to topics early on and prompting them to ask questions to those working with their children. I encourage and support them to become informed parents. Information is power, and you are your child’s best advocate. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have.
Marcie Beers
mlbeers@iu.edu
Project Manager, Early Childhood Center IIDC
Mother, Special Education Advocate
Leave a Reply