IFSP Meeting Guide
Preparing for Your Child’s IFSP Meeting
Introduction
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a document created for children from birth through age two who qualify for early intervention services. It outlines the services your child and family will receive, the goals you are working toward, and how progress will be tracked.
IFSP meetings can feel unfamiliar, especially during what is already an emotionally intense time. This guide helps you prepare so you can participate as a full member of your child’s team.
Your concerns, priorities, and observations matter in this process.
Before the Meeting
– Review any evaluation or assessment reports your child has received. Write down any terms you do not understand.
– Identify your priorities. What do you most want for your child right now? What is working? What is not?
– Request an ASL language access review if applicable. If you or your family use or are learning ASL, ask whether sign language access has been considered in your child’s services.
– Ask for the draft IFSP in advance so you can review it before the meeting.
– Bring a support person if helpful. You are allowed to bring someone with you — a partner, family member, advocate, or interpreter.
Under IDEA Part C, parents have the right to participate in the development and review of their child’s IFSP (20 U.S.C. § 1436; 34 CFR §§ 303.340–303.346).
During the Meeting
– Confirm the full team is present. Under IDEA Part C, the IFSP team must include you as parents, the service coordinator, evaluators, and relevant service providers.
– Ask for explanations in plain language. You should understand everything being discussed. Ask for clarification whenever needed.
– Review outcomes carefully. IFSP outcomes should reflect your family’s priorities and your child’s needs — not just what services are easiest to provide.
– Confirm how services will be delivered. Under IDEA Part C, services should be delivered in natural environments — typically the home or community settings — whenever possible (34 CFR § 303.26).
– Address language access directly. Make sure the plan addresses how your child will receive consistent, accessible language input — not just hearing-related services.
After the Meeting
– Review the IFSP document before signing.
– Keep copies of all documents.
– Monitor whether services are being delivered as written. If services are delayed or inconsistent, contact your service coordinator.
– Ask questions by email to maintain a written record.
If You Are Not Satisfied
– Request a meeting to revise the IFSP. You have the right to request a meeting at any time.
– Document your concerns in writing.
– Request mediation if you and the program cannot resolve a disagreement.
– Request a due process hearing if mediation does not resolve the issue.
Families have procedural safeguards under IDEA Part C, including the right to mediation and due process (20 U.S.C. § 1439; 34 CFR §§ 303.400–303.449).
Key Reminders
– The IFSP must be reviewed every six months and evaluated annually.
– You can request a review at any time.
– Early intervention under IDEA Part C is for birth through age two. Transition planning to IDEA Part B services should begin well before your child’s third birthday (34 CFR § 303.209).
– Language access is a service need, not a bonus. If your child needs accessible language input as part of their early development, that belongs in the IFSP.
Changes: Replaced two citation placeholders with verified statutory and CFR citations (20 U.S.C. § 1436; 34 CFR §§ 303.340–303.346; 20 U.S.C. § 1439; 34 CFR §§ 303.400–303.449). Added CFR citation for natural environments (34 CFR § 303.26) and transition timing (34 CFR § 303.209). Confirmed IFSP team composition accurate per 34 CFR § 303.343. Confirmed framing appropriate for public-facing parent audience.
