Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

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The IFSP document was revised to meet the new federal regulations under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part C. The revised IFSP became effective July 1, 2012. This Guidance Document was created to further the understanding of the Arizona Early Intervention community as they are implementing the new requirements; and to support them in their efforts to help families. This document also supports the development of an IFSP that encompasses all aspects of the IFSP process including measurement of the Child Indicators, the three global outcome areas for program accountability.

The changes to the IFSP reflect the Mission and 7 Key Principles of Early Intervention. The child and family assessment process is supported within the IFSP process by having the assessment tool become part of the IFSP. Information has been placed so that one page builds upon the next.

Information is gathered through child and family assessment activities, including discussions with the family members/caregivers to provide an understanding of the child’s relationships, knowledge and functional skills in various routines and activities of the family’s everyday life. This information is used as the team develops outcomes that are meaningful for the family and focus on the child’s participation within routines and activities important to them. Based on the identified priorities and outcomes, the IFSP team identifies the early intervention services, and resources necessary to meet the unique needs of the child and family to achieve the outcomes.

The entire IFSP team contributes to the development of the IFSP. The Service Coordinator is ultimately responsible for ensuring the completion of the document; however, the team should discuss who will facilitate the meeting and who will write on the IFSP pages during the meeting with the family.