Module III: IFSP outcomes in natural environments

 

Unit 3 Lesson 1: Outcomes, criteria, and strategies/activities & services

IFSP outcomes reflect the synthesis of the present level of development and the family’s priorities. These statements serve as the IFSP team’s “road map.” It is important to remember, outcomes are not therapy goals and objectives. Therapy goals and objectives are documented in the clinician’s or practitioner’s service or treatment plan.

We’re now ready to look at how to write functional, daily/routine-focused child outcomes, criteria, and strategies/activities. These will be guided by what we’ve learned about a family’s unique concerns, priorities, and resources. We’ll start, once again, by looking at the Part C regulations.

 

Outcomes:

Part C Regulations

Section 303.344 Content of the IFSP

(c) Outcomes.

The IFSP must include a statement of the major outcomes expected to be achieved for the child and family and the criteria, procedures, and timeliness used to determine—

1. The degree to which progress toward achieving the outcomes is being made; and

2. Whether modifications or revisions of the outcomes or services are necessary.

 

Key Aspects of Outcomes, Criteria, Strategies/Activities

Outcomes should not be written in clinical language, but they should be specific enough that all members of the team understand what is the desired end result. An outcome such as “Susie will be like other children her age” is too general. The team may start with the family’s words, but will often need to help draw out more specific information to refine the wording of the outcomes or criteria.

While the regulations do not specify that these outcomes should be attainable in 1 year, it is wise to try to think in terms of what is expected in 1 year rather than set extremely long-range expectations.

 

 

(For the full page click anywhere on the image above.)

 

Page 21 has the above Section 6 form. Rules for Section 6 are on page 7 and 8 of the Practice Manual.  Follow this link to go to the Practice Manual IFSP section 

 

 

Services

Early intervention services are designed to meet the developmental needs of a child and the needs of the family related to enhancing the child’s development. They are selected in collaboration with parents and provided by qualified personnel in conformity with the IFSP. Early intervention services are provided at no cost.

We are now ready to discuss providing early intervention services. We’ll look at how to determine the frequency, intensity, location, and the methodology of early intervention services as defined in the regulations.

The regulations give guidelines for the general role of a service provider. This is section 303.12[1-3].

c.) General role of service providers. To the extent appropriate, service providers in each area of early intervention services included in paragraph (d) of this section are responsible for --

1) consulting with parents, other service providers, and representatives of appropriate community agencies to ensure the effective provision of services in that area;

2) training parents and others regarding the provision of those services; and,

3) participating in the multidisciplinary team’s assessment of a child and child’s family and in the development of integrated goals and outcomes for the individualized family service plan

The three roles of service providers and natural environments are stated in Section 303.12[b] that follows.

b) General. As used in this part, early intervention services means services that --

1) are designed to meet the developmental needs of each child eligible under this part and the needs of the family related to enhancing the child’s development;

2) are selected in collaboration with the parents;

3) are provided:

i) under public supervision,

ii) by qualified personnel, as defined in Sec. 303.21, including the types of personnel listed in paragraph (e) of this section,

iii) in conformity with an individualized family service plan, and

iv) at no cost, unless subject to Sec. 303.520 (b) (3), Federal or State law provides a system of payments by families, including a schedule of sliding fees; and,

4) meets the standards of the State, including the requirements of this part.

 

Click here to see Section 7 of the IFSP.

 

Pages 22 and 23 have the above Section 7 and Section 7a. and 7b. forms. Rules for Section 7 are on pages 9-11 of the Practice Manual.  Follow this link to go to the Practice Manual IFSP section 

 

Quick review:

 

Review Questions:

1. What are the three responsibiliites of the service providers stated in sect 303.12[1-3]?

2. What are the the three roles of service providers in natural environments?

3. The IFSP outcome statement(s) will include the criteria, prodecures and what other element?

4. Early intervention services are designed to meet what (hint: 303.12[b]1)?

 

Reflection Questions:

1. Natural environments stress that providers work within the family setting. Why should outcomes reflect the family’s concerns, priorities, and resources rather than a medical diagnosis?

2. Therapy goals and objectives are part of which team(s) member’s domain? Outcomes are part of which team(s) member’s domain?

 

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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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