IFSPs / IEPs / 504 Plans
What is an IFSP?
What is an IEP?
What is a 504 Plan?
What is an IFSP?
An IFSP, also known as an Individualized Family Service Plan, is a document that is developed when your child receives services through Early Intervention. This is created by the team working with your child, such as the Speech Language Pathologist, Special Education Itinerant Teacher, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, and you, the parent. It outlines your child’s needs, as well as your desired outcomes. It also helps to identify resources that may be appropriate for your child and family.
When your child is in Early Intervention, the team will meet every six months to update goals and to touch base on how your child is progressing. This does not mean you must wait every 6 months to make adjustments. You can call a meeting or request changes anytime by contacting your child’s service coordinator. Services are provided at no cost to families and typically occur right in the home.
To contact the Monroe County Early Intervention program, you can click below.
A helpful resource that explains the IFSP in greater detail can be found below.
What is an IEP?
An IEP, also known as an Individualized Education Program, is a legal document that is developed for students who require special education services. This document is available to school-aged children from preschool to 12th grade. It can accommodate children in general education programs or specialized classroom settings. This document can be treated like a contract. It outlines your child’s present level of performance across multiple domains, areas of need, goals the service providers will work on with your child, and any accommodations your child requires.
For a child to receive an IEP, they must go through either CPSE (Committee on Preschool Special Education) or CSE (Committee on Special Education) to determine if their areas of need detrimentally impact their performance in the classroom. Your child must have one or more of the 13 disabilities listed in IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act). These are autism, deaf-blindness, deafness, emotional disturbance, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, speech or language impairment, traumatic brain injury, and visual impairment.
Your child will typically receive direct intervention services, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or others. Annual reviews must happen every year. Re-evaluations typically occur every three years to determine continued eligibility and areas of growth/need.
If it is determined that your child does not meet the criteria for an IEP but still requires a formal plan to address necessary accommodations, a 504 Plan may be developed instead. IEP services are provided at no cost to families and occur during the school day.
What is a 504 Plan?
A 504 Plan is a formal plan that is covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. While these aren’t a part of special education, they do outline what supports will be put in place to help your child succeed. Typically, your child will not receive direct intervention services under a 504 Plan.
A great resource comparing IEPs and 504 Plans can be found below.
If you need help understanding your child’s IEP or have questions regarding accommodations, your rights as a parent, and appropriateness of goals, you can schedule a free consultation below.