Module III: IFSP outcomes in natural environments

 

Unit 1 Lesson 3:

 

Part C emphasizes how natural environments will be an integrated into the IFSP. This concept is key to understanding how you as a participant of FS will provide services to families and children.

 

What takes place during the IFSP Intake and Assessment processes?

• Information gathering
• Information sharing
• Assessment planning
• Child assessment
• After child is determined eligible, and with written consent, conduct family assessment to begin to identify concerns, priorities, and resources (Section 5 of the IFSP)

What topics are covered in the IFSP Development Meeting ?

• Team summary of child’s abilities and strengths
• Family’s concerns, priorities, and resources
• Outcomes/criteria
• Strategies/activities
• Services
• Transition

The family environment is vital in providing services. Services are provided according to the family views and needs. The family environment sets the boundaries on where services can be provided. This is explained in the regulations that follow.

 

(This is an overview of the actual regulations. The actual regulations are in the practice manual.)

Family Assessment and Natural Environments:

Part C Regulations

Sec. 303.322

Evaluation and Assessment.

(d) Family assessment.

1. Family assessments under this part must be family-directed and designed to determine the resources, priorities, and concerns of the family and the identification of the supports and services necessary to enhance the family’s capacity to meet the developmental needs of the child.

 

(This is an overview of the actual regulations. The actual regulations are in the practice manual.)

Sec. 303.12

Early Intervention Services.

(b) Natural environments.

To the maximum extent appropriate to the needs of the child, early intervention services must be provided in natural environments, including the home and community settings in which children without disabilities participate.

 

 

Before writing the IFSP, the Service Coordinator has:

 

1. With the parent’s written consent, gathered information that identifies and clarifies the family’s concerns, priorities, resources, and daily routines (family assessment)

2. Provided the family with information (in writing and verbally) about their parental rights

(procedural safeguards) NEED LINK

3. Talked with the family about what an IFSP is and how the IFSP process works

4. Asked the family who they would like to attend the IFSP meeting and has scheduled a time and location for the meeting that is convenient for the family

5. Shared the IFSP form with the family and helped them understand the process of completing appropriate sections in preparation for the IFSP team meeting

6. Ensured that any necessary assessments of the child’s functioning have taken place.

 

The SPOE has specially trained personnel that work with incoming families. The service coordinator has the responsibility of being sure that the process is followed and that the family environment and natural environment are at the same time safeguarded and maximized in the IFSP process.

 

This unit has covered a number of new ideas and concepts. A quick overview of the material covered:

• Preplanning and assessment begins during intake and eligibility determination activities.
• The IFSP is a written plan that is developed by a team that includes the family.
• The family’s participation in the IFSP process is critical to the plan’s success.
• Families understand their parental rights (prodedural safeguards) and responsibilities. These rights are discussed and provided in writing by the service coordinator.

Review questions:

1. The initial IFSP must be completed within (how many) calendar days of receipt of the referral.
2. Can services be provided in daycare centers, playgrounds, and restaurants (in a play area) in the community?
3. Written parental consent is - or is not - needed to gather information about the families concerns from other people?
4. Should the family be asked who they would like to attend the IFSP meeting?
5. Does the family need to have written copies of their parental rights?

Reflection questions:

1. Should family concerns and priorities be part of the IFSP process?
2. What role do family resources play?
3. How is the family's natural environment an important part of the IFSP?
4. How is the intent of Part C being met?

 

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If you have a question about this module please check the Q & A pages. If you still have a question after reviewing the Q & A pages please send an email to: webreplyspefs@dese.mo.gov or call 573.751.0187

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