Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development

The two main processes for delivering services in early childhood intervention and preschool special education are the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and the Individualized Education Program (IEP). These terms are used to describe both their respective processes and the actual documents that are created to guide services for all children with disabilities. The IFSP and the IEP are legal documents providing written information about the unique strengths and needs of the child and how to support the child’s developmental and educational needs.

Resources

The IFSP: The Family Guide to Understanding the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)- Part of Maryland's Birth to Five Parent Information Series, this booklet helps families understand Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program.   After a child's initial evaluation is complete and the child has been found eligible for early intervention services, it's time to develop the IFSP for the child and family. 

A Family Guide to Next Steps: When Your Child in Early Intervention Turns 3– This guide is an informational resource for families, who have children receiving early intervention services and who are determined eligible for preschool special education, as they choose to continue services through an IFSP or begin services through an IEP. Local Infants and Toddlers Programs will support families in making this choice. In accordance with IDEA 2004, 20 U.S.C. sec. 1435 and State policies and procedures, parents are required to receive this Annual Notice of the Extended IFSP Option to assist in decision-making.