Child Outcomes System

In 2005, the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) began requiring State early intervention programs to report on child outcomes. States are required to report on the percent of infants and toddlers with Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) who demonstrate improved:

1. Positive social-emotional skills (including social relationships);
2. Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills (including early language/communication [and early literacy]); and
3. Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs.

Effective July 1, 2010, the Child Outcome Summary Form (COSF) will be utilized for measuring child outcomes in Maryland to meet federal accountability reporting requirements for all children receiving services through an IFSP birth to kindergarten age.

Early Childhood Accountabilty System

Click on the graphic to view an overview of Maryland’s Early Childhood Accountability System (ECAS) which describes the current requirements for measuring early childhood outcomes birth through age five.

Maryland’s Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education Evaluation and Assessment System

Maryland’s Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education Evaluation and Assessment System promotes best practices by ensuring the:

• Involvement of families as partners in a culturally sensitive, authentic assessment process;
• Consistent, statewide use of valid and reliable assessment tools and evidence-based practices, through a multi-disciplinary approach across all five domains;
• Application of multiple sources of information, including both quantitative and qualitative data, gathered within a child’s natural or least restrictive environment to guide the development of functional outcomes/goals; and
• Alignment with Maryland’s developmental guidelines and early learning standards

Click on the image to download an illustrative chart of Maryland’s Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education Evaluation and Assessment System.  It includes Maryland’s Assessment Think Tank’s recommended tool box for eligibility, results-oriented decision-making and child outcomes/accountability.

Resources

The Taking a Closer Look at Child and Family Outcomes brochure provides information on how Maryland measures the benefit of early intervention services and supports to children with disabilities and their families who receive services through their local Infants and Toddlers Program.
 

The Early Childhood Outcomes Center website provides national leadership in assisting states with the implementation of high-quality outcome systems for early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education (ECSE) programs.