All About IFSPs & IEPs

It is important for ECE programs to understand the basics of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

IFSP

Infant/Toddler Early Intervention (for children ages birth–third birthday)
Facilitated by Infant/ Toddler Service Coordinator (SC) (in Allegheny County, the Service Coordinator is from The Alliance for Infants and Toddlers)
Includes IFSP outcomes or statements of what the family wants to achieve with their child as well as the method, timeline, and plans to measure progress
Includes support strategies to help the child, family, and caregivers achieve the outcome
Provides services to both the family and the young child IFSP and IEP Similarities
Reviewed quarterly (once every 3 months) and updated at least every six months

IFSP and IEP Similarities

Multidisciplinary approach to provide individualized services
Team must include the parents/ legal guardians and requires their signature of consent
Team may include advocate or person outside of the family if requested by the parent • Provides summary of current development
Includes individualized outcomes or goals to guide services
Documents the child’s services, including which services will be provided, location of services, and frequency of services
Legally binding document
Provides families with a formal process to review their rights, disagree, or file a complaint

IEP

Preschool Early Intervention and transitions into K-12 school
Overseen by the child’s Local Education Agency (LEA). For preschool EI in Allegheny County, this is the Intermediate Unit (AIU or PPS)
The IEP team must include the parent(s)/legal guardian(s), special education teacher, general education teacher, a professional for each related service if warranted (example: Speech Therapist), and a representative from the Local Education Agency (LEA)
Provides services to the individual child
Updated at least annually

Search for more resources

Download the toolkit

Partnering Together

See all videos