Setting Goals that lead to your High Expectations

A goal is a target that someone is trying to reach or achieve.
Objectives are small, measurable steps to get to the goal.

The Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) documents contain goals your child will work on to improve their skills and functionality.

 

Goals in the following areas can be written to meet your child’s needs.

Academic
Audiology Services
Behavior
Interpreter for hearing impaired
Orientation and Mobility Services
Physical Therapy
Services on Braille
Social-Emotional
Occupational Therapy
Transportation

Consider setting goals as creating a plan for your child to keep them moving in the right direction.

The IFSP and IEP will contain information about the child’s developmental (IFSP) or educational (IEP) level of functioning. It will tell you what your child can do; it provides a baseline or starting point. This helps you keep track of your child’s progress. The information helps the team set appropriate goals for the child. Families should share the skills they are working on and their high expectations for their child. The IFSP and your IEP goals for your child should reflect the family’s goals and expectations. The family goals and expectations should carry over as your child moves from an IFSP to an IEP.

While setting goals for your child, keep them in mind.

• This is a team effort, and you should be part of the discussion.
• The goals must be meaningful to your child’s growth and development.
  • What does this goal help my child achieve?
  • Does this goal support the high expectations I have for my child?
  • Will this goal lead to another important goal for my child?

 

It is essential to think about the goals set for your child as building blocks. Will these building blocks move your child in the right direction? Do the goals in the document support your long-term goals and high expectations?

Objectives are the smaller, more manageable steps that help the child reach the goal. They help break down the goal into building blocks and provide a timeline to achieve the goal. Your child will work with a provider or therapist on the objectives, and you will be notified of your child’s progress.

Resources:
U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, A Guide to the Individualized Education Program July 2000.

 

Next Topic: Writing Smart Goals

Hello, I am so happy you are visiting the Early Childhood Insights blog! I would like 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 to introduce families to topics early on and prompt them to ask questions to those working with their child. I encourage and support them to be an informed parent. 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