The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) provides the foundation of family-centered early intervention services. The IFSP is an agreement between you and the local Infants and Toddlers Program regarding the early intervention services and supports provided to your child and family. The IFSP is both an agreement and a written document that puts in writing your child’s strengths and needs, your family’s priorities, and the outcomes you and the team would like your child to achieve. The IFSP provides the “what,when, where, why, and how” of early intervention services to be provided to your child and family.

The IFSP process begins when your child is referred to your local Infants and Toddlers Program dueto a concern about his or her development. The local Infants and Toddlers Program will contact yourfamily within two days of receiving the referral. Your early intervention team has 45 days from the dateof referral to complete your child’s evaluation and assessment and complete an initial written IFSP.Most services contained in the IFSP document begin no later than 30 days after the IFSP has beensigned by you. The completion of the IFSP or the start date for an IFSP service may be delayed by

The IFSP process is ongoing. You and your IFSP team will review the IFSP every six monthsafter the initial completion date. You may request a review at any time to make sure the IFSPcontinues to meet the changing needs of your child and family. Development and review of theIFSP are collaborative processes that take place during IFSP team meetings. You and your servicecoordinator must be present for all IFSP meetings.

©Maryland State Department of Education

A Family Guide to Understanding the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) can be found at:
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