Which document is typically used to determine eligibility for early intervention services for a child with developmental delays?

Which document is typically used to determine eligibility for early intervention services for a child with developmental delays?

• A. IFSP
• B. IEP
• C. Individualized medical plan
• D. Care plan

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that early intervention uses a family-centered plan to determine and guide services for children birth to 3 with developmental delays. The document used to determine eligibility and outline the needed supports is the Individualized Family Service Plan. It results from a formal evaluation and eligibility decision and then specifies the child’s current development levels, family concerns and resources, the major outcomes sought, and the specific early intervention services to be provided, along with how and where those services will be delivered. The other documents serve different purposes. An IEP is designed for school-age children to guide special education services under IDEA Part B, not for early intervention. An individualized medical plan or a care plan focuses on medical management and care coordination rather than determining early intervention eligibility and services.

The key idea is that early intervention uses a family-centered plan to determine and guide services for children birth to 3 with developmental delays. The document used to determine eligibility and outline the needed supports is the Individualized Family Service Plan. It results from a formal evaluation and eligibility decision and then specifies the child’s current development levels, family concerns and resources, the major outcomes sought, and the specific early intervention services to be provided, along with how and where those services will be delivered.

The other documents serve different purposes. An IEP is designed for school-age children to guide special education services under IDEA Part B, not for early intervention. An individualized medical plan or a care plan focuses on medical management and care coordination rather than determining early intervention eligibility and services.