Which plan is designed primarily for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families?

Which plan is designed primarily for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families?

• A. IEP
• B. IFSP
• C. FAPE
• D. ADA

Answer: (B)

Infants and toddlers with disabilities are served through an early intervention plan that centers the family in every step. This plan, designed for birth to three years, is called the Individualized Family Service Plan. It starts with multidisciplinary input to determine the child’s present developmental levels and, importantly, the family’s priorities and routines. From there, it outlines the early intervention services the child will receive (such as speech-language, occupational, or physical therapy), how often those services will occur, and where they take place—often in natural environments like home or daycare. A key feature is family-centered practice: families are active decision-makers, and supports are chosen to help the family carry out daily activities and promote the child’s development in familiar settings. The plan is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in the child’s development and the family’s needs. This focus on the child’s development within the family and daily life is what makes the IFSP the appropriate plan for infants and toddlers and their families.

Infants and toddlers with disabilities are served through an early intervention plan that centers the family in every step. This plan, designed for birth to three years, is called the Individualized Family Service Plan. It starts with multidisciplinary input to determine the child’s present developmental levels and, importantly, the family’s priorities and routines. From there, it outlines the early intervention services the child will receive (such as speech-language, occupational, or physical therapy), how often those services will occur, and where they take place—often in natural environments like home or daycare. A key feature is family-centered practice: families are active decision-makers, and supports are chosen to help the family carry out daily activities and promote the child’s development in familiar settings. The plan is reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changes in the child’s development and the family’s needs. This focus on the child’s development within the family and daily life is what makes the IFSP the appropriate plan for infants and toddlers and their families.