ECO Resources: IFSP/IEP-Outcomes Integration

Overview


States and local programs are making child and family outcomes measurement more efficient and more effective by integrating those processes with IFSP and IEP development and implementation. NECTAC and the ECO Center are working to support states who are making changes to their systems and materials to integrate these two processes. This page highlights materials and resources that may be of interest and use to other states and programs.

Learning Community

This learning community was formed around integrating their IFSP/IEP development and outcomes measurement approaches. The purpose of the learning community is to bring together states and local programs to explore issues, develop guidance, and share tools and materials that support an integrated approach. For more information, please see our learning communities page or contact Kathi Gillaspy at kathi.gillaspy@unc.edu. Calls are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month; for more information see the Upcoming Events page; click here for the 2013 draft agenda. If you are already a member of the IFSP-IEP Integration Learning Community, visit http://eco-lc.fpg.unc.edu/ to log in to the member site.

Background Information

The following video presentation provides an overview to the IFSP-IEP integration processes across work with ECO, NECTAC, and a number of early childhood professionals interested in these processes, in addition to highlighting recent work.

The IFSP/IEP-Outcomes Integration Think Tank, co-sponsored by NECTAC and ECO, was held March 15-16, 2010 in Chapel Hill. The purpose of the think tank was to begin the discussion about ways to integrate IFSP and IEP processes with the child outcomes measurement process.

Additional materials generated by the Think Tank may be found on the Resources and Tools tab at the top of the page.

Key Considerations for Implementation

Overview- Key Considerations for Implementing an Integrated Outcomes and IFSP/IEP Process

In this presentation to the Integrating Outcomes Learning Community, NECTAC staff discuss the steps to take in considering and adopting a plan for integrating outcomes into the IFSP/IEP process. See the presentation and listen to the call at http://unc-fpg-cdi.adobeconnect.com/implementoverview/.

Stage One- Exploration Stage Activities for Implementing an Integrated Outcomes and IFSP/IEP Process

In this presentation to the Integrating Outcomes Learning Community, ECO, ECTA Center and WRRC staff discuss the five key activities of the Exploration Stage of implementation as they relate to creating an integrated process. See the presentation and listen to the call at http://unc-fpg-cdi.adobeconnect.com/ioexploration/

Stage Two- Installation Stage Activities for Implementing an Integrated Outcomes and IFSP/IEP Process

In this presentation to the Integrating Outcomes Learning Community, ECO, EC TA Center and WRRC staff discuss the six key activities of the Installation Stage of implementation as they relate to creating an integrated process. See the presentation and listen to the call http://unc-fpg-cdi.adobeconnect.com/ioinstallation/.

Flow Charts and Activities

IFSP-IEP Integration Flow Charts & Activities

The following flow charts show where opportunities to collect functional information for child outcomes measurement may be integrated throughout the IFSP or IEP process.

  • IFSP Outcomes Flow Chart [PDF]- revised March, 2012
  • IEP Outcomes Flow Chart [PDF]- revised April, 2013

NECTAC and ECO staff created program-specific variations on these generic flow charts based on interviews with key state and local Part C and Section 619 staff.

  • West Virginia Part C Flow Chart [PDF]
  • Department of Defense Part C Flow Chart [PDF]
  • Valley View, IL- Early Childhood Center, 619 [PDF]
  • Maryland 3 EC Outcomes into IFSP Process Flow Chart [60KB DOC]
  • Washington IFSP and Outcomes Measurement Process [51KB DOC]
The following worksheets provide a series of questions for programs to use in discussing the overlap of outcomes work and IFSP/ IEP development. The worksheets are designed to be used with the corresponding generic flow charts, above.

  • IFSP-Outcomes Integration Worksheet [PDF]
  • IEP-Outcomes Integration Worksheet [PDF]

The following worksheet was created by technical assistance providers in Kansas, as an adaptation to a slide presented in Developing High-Quality, Functional IFSP Outcomes and IEP Goals: A Training Package. It is a tool that may be used in early discussions about integrating outcomes into the IFSP/IEP to help programs identify where they are already using assessment information for both the child outcomes rating and for IFSP and IEP decisions.

  • Using Information from Functional Assessment Within the IFSP/IEP Process [83KB DOC]

The following documents describe in further detail when and how to collect information for child outcomes as part of IFSP and IEP processes. The documents also invite the reader to reflect upon the extent to which one's own program is integrating child outcomes measurement in each step of the IFSP or IEP (e.g. 'not implemented,' 'needs improvement' or 'implemented').

The tools and materials presented here are still in 'draft' form and would be benefit from further piloting and feedback. Please contact kathi.gillaspy@unc.edu for more information.

Training Resources

Training Resources

Developing High Quality IFSP Outcomes and IEP Goals Training Package

This product was developed collaboratively with staff from NECTAC, WRRC and ECO in response to the need expressed from state and local providers to have specific information and resources about developing IFSP outcomes and IEP goals. The training package includes:

  • A comprehensive Power Point presentation
  • Trainer script and presentation notes
  • Handouts
  • Activities

Content about integrating the global child and family outcomes into the IFSP/IEP process is included in two sections of the training package. There are also activities that encourage the participants to consider the connection between the child and family outcomes and the development of individual IFSP outcomes and IEP goals.

Training Package Link: http://www.nectac.org/knowledgepath/ifspoutcomes-iepgoals/ifspoutcomes-iepgoals.asp

Introduction to IDEA Part C: Three Interactive Modules

These three modules were developed for the Early Support for Infants and Toddlers Program in the Department of Early Learning by the Washington Systems Improvement Project Team in 2011. The purpose of the modules was to provide information and resources to the field to support the implementation of new procedures and practices, including the integration of the child outcomes measurement into the IFSP process.  There are three modules:

Information about integrating child outcomes into the IFSP process is included in each of the topics within each module.  Each module includes voice-over-presentation materials with all accompanying handouts, resources and activities. They are designed to be self-paced so that learners may decide how much time is spent on each topic. Each module contains activities that check knowledge and encourage self-reflection on current practices. Each module also contains capstone activities to be completed at the end of all topics.

State Resources

State Resources

The following documents were created by states to support the integration of the child outcomes measurement into the IFSP or IEP process.

Department of the Army- Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)
  • IFSP Process Document Guide: This is the current TA guide for the providers in the EDIS program. It includes a description of how to integrate the three outcome areas into the description of the child's present levels of development. [1.54MB PDF]
  • Measuring Child & Family Results in Early Intervention Workbook: This workbook is intended to help professionals working in early intervention services in the Army to better understand and be successful with measuring both child and family results. The workbook includes information, examples and self-check activities to assist professionals. [1.08MB PDF]
Maryland
  • Learning Links: A set of videos created to help early intervention service providers develop a deeper understanding of the importance of eliciting functional information from families, the unique contributions of each IFSP team member, anchoring discussions of children's strengths and needs in age-expected development, and collaborative decision-making on the COS ratings. Also includes a viewing guide to help early interventionists make the best use of the video through reflection and discussions. Visit the site: http://marylandlearninglinks.org/11695
  • Maryland Integration Graphic: This visual was created to help the field understand the integration process of child outcomes measurement into the MD IFSP. [1.35MB PDF]
  • Maryland COS Worksheet: This tool helps providers summarize information from multiple sources according to the three child outcome areas in order to complete outcomes measurement. [183KB PDF]
  • COS Ratings and Maryland Descriptors with Buckets: This document is Maryland's customized version of the descriptor statements and bucket list. [65KB PDF]
  • Green IFSP Booklet: This guide for parents explains the IFSP process. It includes information about the child outcomes measurement process as well as a worksheet for parents to use in preparation for the IFSP meeting, including summarizing their child's strengths and needs, organized by the 3 outcomes. [7.7MB PDF]
  • Healthy Beginnings: This document contains the Maryland early learning standards and is organized and crosswalked by the 3 child outcome areas. [844KB PDF]
Vermont
  • IEP for EEE Training Workbook: This resource walks through instructions for each page of the Vermont Essential Early Education (preschool) IEP, which includes the ntegrated outcomes measurement. [2.5MB PDF]
  • Guidance Memo- Transition from EEE-IEP (preschool) IEP to School-Age IEP: This document provides options for preschool and elementary teams for transitioning the child from the preschool IEP, which integrates child outcomes measurement, to the school age IEP. The document also provides instructions and guidance on the timing of the exit Child Outcomes Summary. [208KB PDF]
Washington

Sample IFSPs and IEPs

Sample IFSPs and IEPs

Educational & Developmental Intervention Services (EDIS)

Idaho

  • Outcome 1 IEP goal page- annual goal only (adjust for the number of outcome) [30KB DOC]
  • Outcome 2 IEP goal page- annual goal only (adjust for the number of outcome) [28KB DOC]
  • Outcome 3 IEP goal page- annual goal only (adjust for the number of outcome) [30KB DOC]
  • Outcome 1 IEP goal page- annual goal with benchmarks [31KB DOC]
  • Outcome 2 IEP goal page- annual goal with benchmarks [28KB DOC]
  • Outcome 3 IEP goal page- annual goal with benchmarks [28KB DOC]
  • Exit Child Outcomes Summary [24KB DOC]

Illinois

  • IFSP form: This document is a portion of the Illinois IFSP that includes the child outcomes measurement. Illinois has embedded the child outcomes summary ratings into its IFSP since the inception of child outcomes. The child outcomes questions are listed in the IFSP as questions 8, 9, & 10 and follow a review of health information and present levels of development in each domain. It is hoped that by reviewing the present levels of development, teams will have the information they need in order to determine to what extent the child is demonstrating age expected development in each of the three outcome areas. [241KB PDF]

Maryland

Vermont
Washington
West Virginia

Outcomes Conferences Resources

Resources from the 2012 Measuring and Improving Child and Family Outcomes Conference

Two sessions at the 2012 Outcomes Conference (Minneapolis, MN) highlighted resources related to linking outcomes and IFSP/IEP development. Materials are posted on the conference website by session.

Taking the Plunge: First Steps to Integrating Child Outcomes into the IFSP/IEP Process. In this session, presenters from 3 states shared their beginning steps of implementing an integrated child outcomes IFSP/IEP process. Processes and resources were shared using the first two implementation stages (exploration and installation) as a framework.

Presenters: Anne Brager, Kathi Gillaspy, Sandi Harrington, Kate Rogers, Dana Romary, and Megan Vinh

Inquiring Families Want to Know: Engaging Families in the Outcomes Rating Process. In this session, 4 state presenters shared the critical nature that information gathered from families has in the child outcomes rating process. Resources and materials developed to support providers and parents to participate in partnership to complete the rating were shared.

Presenters: Jennifer Barrett Zitkus, Shannon Dunstan, Kathi Gillaspy, Pam Miller, Judy Swett, and Jennifer Zielinski

Resources from the 2011 Measuring and Improving Child and Family Outcomes Conference

Several sessions at the 2011 Outcomes Conference (New Orleans, LA) highlighted materials related to linking outcomes and IFSP/IEP development. Materials are posted on the conference webpage by session.

Integrating Outcomes Measurement with IFSP and IEP Processes. In this concurrent session, presenters from several states shared examples of the flow of activities used in their states and programs, and provided examples of related materials.

Presenters: Marcella Franczkowski (MD), Sharon Ringwalt (NECTAC), Kate Rogers (VT) and Karen Walker (WA)

Post-conference workshop: Integrating Outcomes Measurement with IFSP and IEP Processes. In this 3 hour workshop, states shared tools and resources they have used to link child outcome measurement with functional assessment conducted for IFSP/IEP development and developing meaningful IFSP outcomes/IEP goals. Participants used materials and strategies to help analyze their state’s activities, and discussed how best to implement an integrated approach.

Presenters: Lauren Barton (ECO at SRI), Kathi Gillaspy (NECTAC), Kathy Hebbeler (ECO at SRI), Pam Miller (MD), Mary Louise Peters (NECTAC), Kate Rogers (VT), Robin Rooney (ECO/NECTAC), and Karen Walker (WA)

Integration Featured at the 2010 Outcomes Conference
Several programs presented their integrated approaches at the 'Measuring Child and Family Outcomes' conference held July 30-31, 2010 in Arlington, VA. Presenters, their PPT slide presentations, and the materials they shared at the conference are available on the conference website.



Related Resources

Relationship of Quality Practices to Child and Family Outcome Measurement Results

This document will assist states in identifying ways to improve results for children and families participating in Part C early intervention services through implementation of quality practices. Key practices were selected from the Agreed Upon Practices for Providing Early Intervention Services in Natural Environments as well as the Personnel Standards for Early Education and Early Intervention: Guidelines for Licensure in Early Childhood Special Education (DEC Recommended Practices). Although all quality practices identified in these two documents potentially impact child and family outcomes, only key quality practices that either have the most direct impact on the specific outcomes or have a lesser, yet still direct impact on specific outcomes are included. The appendices of the document include various ways in which the table may be used.

  • Relationship of Quality Practices to Child and Family Outcome Measurement Results [513KB PDF]