IFSP Meetings

definition of the acronym IFSP. Text reads INDIVIDUALIZED: ​ written specifically for your child and family​ FAMILY: ​ focus on changes (called outcomes) you want to see for your child and family as a result of your participation in Early On​ SERVICE: ​ the what, where, when, how often, how long, and by whom services will be delivered to your child and family​ PLAN: ​ a written document that can be changed as your child's and family's needs change​

Be sure to visit our IFSP webpage for more information on the IFSP process.

Frequent review of the IFSP assists in guiding future plans, specific actions, and discussions about old and new priorities. The IFSP can be revised any time there is a need.

If things are not working out or there is a new need, you should contact your service coordinator to talk about your concerns. Team members can also raise a new concern or need, but the parent determines whether the new concern/need becomes an IFSP priority. If the concern/need is a priority for the family, then a change to the IFSP must be made.

When and where are IFSP meetings held?

The time and place for an IFSP meeting is coordinated with the family. Written meeting notice should be given early enough so that the family can attend. After the meeting, the family must be given a copy of the new IFSP. The services described in the IFSP are provided to the child in the manner described in the IFSP.

Initial IFSP

  • The initial IFSP comes after the confirmation of eligibility.​
  • With the family’s written consent, the initial IFSP is implemented.
  • Accepted services must begin within 30 calendar days of signing the IFSP.​

Periodic Review

Periodic Reviews determine if progress is being made toward achieving IFSP outcomes. ​

  • The Periodic Review of the IFSP must be conducted every six months, or more frequently, if the family requests a review.​ ​
  • The Periodic Reviews may be as informal as an email or a phone call, or a more formal face-to-face meeting.  
  • When as change to the IFSP does not require a change in service, the change can be documented on the IFSP concerns page, current abilities page, or outcome page by the Services Coordinator in conjunction with the family. The Services Coordinator will be responsible for assuring that all other team members and the district administrator are aware of the additions/changes.​
  • When the change to the IFSP requires a change to a service, then a formal meeting should be held and any service providers involved with addressing that outcome or providing that service should participate.

Annual Meeting

The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to evaluate and revise the IFSP for a child and the child’s family. This meeting is meant to conduct an evaluation of the IFSP, not an evaluation of the child. ​

  • The Annual Meeting to evaluate the IFSP occurs once a year​
  • It is more formal than a Periodic Review and must be a face-to-face meeting.​
  • During the Annual Meeting, the Service Coordinator facilitates participation of the family and other IFSP team members in the team discussion on the child’s present level of development, progress towards outcomes, and determining the effectiveness of activities and services to achieve the outcomes. 

Who is on the IFSP team?

The IFSP is developed by the IFSP team, including the parents, the service coordinator, and service providers. Service providers provide a direct service to a family or child. This could be a Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, etc. The IFSP team members and their involvement will vary depending on the family’s priorities and the child’s individual needs. 

To prepare for an IFSP meeting, the service coordinator will talk with the family about which team members may attend the meeting, what the agenda will be, and the meeting time and location. The coordinator will notify all team members in writing. This meeting notice should be given early enough before the meeting date to ensure you can attend. 

After the meeting, the family must be given a copy of the new IFSP. The services described in the IFSP are then provided to the child in the manner described in the IFSP.

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