Be sure to visit our IFSP webpage to see how IFSP outcomes fit into the IFSP process.
What are IFSP outcomes?
IFSP outcomes describe the changes desired by the family. They should be prioritized in the order of what is most important to the family. Outcomes can focus directly on what the child is learning (like improving communication or motor skills) or on supporting the family with strategies and interventions they can use at home and in the community to support the child’s needs. Outcomes fit into the child or family’s routine and needs.
Outcomes should:
- Address the family’s concerns while respecting values, beliefs, culture, and priorities
- Contain objectives that are relevant, specific, and measurable
- State when and how often progress updates will be shared
- Be short-term (within six months) and attainable
- Be identified and written before discussing services
- Describe the family routine or activity where the child and family will practice the outcome
A simple way to check if an outcome has all the needed information is to see if it answers these “Wh” questions:
- Who will be working on the outcome—the child, the parent, or both?
- What is the need being addressed? What is the present level and what is the expected outcome?
- How will the outcome be achieved? What steps or supports are needed?
- Where will the outcome be practiced? (Natural environments like home, childcare, or community settings should be the first choice.)
- When will the outcome be reached—within 3 months, 6 months, or another defined time frame?
ECTA Resources for Writing Good IFSP Outcomes
