5.5.7
IEP/IFSP Meetings
Children who qualify for special education or early interventions services will be offered an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or IFSP (Individualized Family Services Program) from an outside agency.
- At least 10% of children served must have an IEP (Individualized Education Program) or IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan).
- Children under 3 years receive an IFSP (Early Intervention)
- Children 3 years and older receive an IEP (Special Education)
- Some children enter Shasta Head Start with an existing plan; others become eligible after enrollment.
Referral Process
There are two scenarios that lead to the creation of an IFSP/IEP:
- Child falls below the cutoff on the ASQ-3 screening (within 45 days of enrollment).
- A teacher or parent expresses concern about a child’s development.
The IEP/IFSP Meeting
Participants typically include:
- Parent/Guardian
- Home Visitor or Family Worker
- Primary Caregiver (for under 3)
- Teacher (for over 3)
- External agency representatives
During the meeting those in attendance (the team) will:
- Discuss the child’s evaluation results
- Identify strengths, needs, and appropriate services
- Develop a written plan collaboratively
Location & Duration:
- IFSP: Often at the family’s home (1 hour)
- IEP: May be held elsewhere (typically the School District or zoom) (30 min–2 hours)
- Facilitated by the external agency (FNRC or School District)
Preparing for the Meeting
It is the responsibility of Head Start staff to prepare the parent/guardian to discuss concerns and strengths of their child during the upcoming IEP/IPP/IFSP meeting with the external agency.
- The Family Worker or Home Visitor is responsible for meeting with the parents(s)/guardian(s) to complete the IFSP/IEP/IPP Parent Worksheet.
IFSP/IEP/IPP Parent worksheet gives the parent the opportunity to answer the following questions in preparation for the IFSP/IEP/IPP:
- Child’s strengths (i.e. gross motor skills, enjoys drawing, enjoys listening to stories)
- Educational concerns (i.e. trouble focusing on tasks, stuttering, behavioral concerns-hitting, kicking peers when experiencing strong emotions, difficulty with transitions)
- General concerns (i.e. Concern with self-regulation- it takes him long periods of time to calm down after experiencing strong emotions or being asked to do something that he doesn’t want to do)
- Additional thoughts
After completing the Worksheet, the Family Worker must:
- Give copy to parents and remind them to bring it with them to the IFSP/IEP/IPP meeting
- Scan to the Disabilities Department who will enter the worksheet into ChildPlus
- File the worksheet in the child file in the Disabilities section
Family Workers or Home Visitors remind parent/guardians they can refer to the Parent Advocacy Packet after completing the worksheet. This packet contains information related to early intervention or special education and has information to help the families understand resources available to them as well as what to expect. For more information on what is in the packet refer to Referral for Observation/Consultation
After the IEP/IFSP Meeting
- Plan is integrated into Individual Child Goals. Teachers must plan individualized activities based on the goals and highlight them in orange on the lesson plan.
- An Inclusion Plan may be developed if needed See SOP Inclusion Planning for more information
- IEP: reviewed annually
- IFSP: reviewed every 6 months
- IPP: Reviewed at least every 3 years
- Prior to each review, update the IFSP/IEP/IPP Parent Worksheet.
- Parents may request a meeting with FNRC or the School District to review the IFSP, IEP and IPP at any time to review progress. If parents need support doing this, the Teacher, Primary Caregiver or Family Worker can contact the Disabilities and Mental Health Manager for support.
Definitions & Key Concepts
IEP (Individualized Education Program):
- For children 3 years and older under IDEA.
- Includes measurable annual goals, services, and supports.
- Focus areas:
- General education curriculum
- Extracurricular participation
- Non-academic activities
IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan):
- For children under 3 years receiving Early Intervention services.
- Focused on the family as a whole.
- Addresses:
- Physical, cognitive
- Communication
- Social/emotional
- Self-help skills
IPP (Individual Program Plan)
- For children over the age of 3 years
- Focused on individual child
- Addresses:
- Goals and Visions
- Areas of Needs
References / Related Documents
- IFSP/IEP/IPP Parent Worksheet – Fillable: English | Spanish
- Teachers guide – IEP
- All About the IEP
- Overview of Early Intervention
- Referral for Observation/Consultation (form): English | Spanish
- Developmental Disabilities page on the CDC website
- Far Northern Regional Center
- Rowell Family Empowerment website
- Helping Parents Understand the Process of their Child Aging out of an IFSP – English | Spanish
- CA Dept. Of Education – Resources on IEPs for Children with Disabilities
- IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act