At the IFSP: Who are All These People?
Role Descriptions for IFSP Meeting Participants
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting gathers experts from various disciplines alongside the family to ensure the best support for a young child with developmental delays or disabilities. Here are clear, jargon-free descriptions of each professional’s role to empower and educate parents:
Audiologist
The audiologist focuses on your child’s hearing. They evaluate hearing levels, recommend hearing aids or other technology if needed, and provide tips to improve how your child interacts with sound. They’re also there to answer any questions you may have about how hearing affects language and learning.
Service Coordinator
Think of the service coordinator as your main point of contact. They help organize and monitor all the services in your child’s IFSP. They’re there to guide you through the process, explain your rights, and ensure all the professionals in your child’s team are working together.
Early Intervention (EI) Provider
The Early Intervention Provider is trained to work directly with your child on developmental skills like moving, communicating, or playing. They can show you activities to do at home to support your child’s growth in these areas.
Teacher of the Deaf (TOD)
A Teacher of the Deaf is skilled in supporting children who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. They help your child develop language and communication skills, whether through sign language, spoken language, or both. They can also guide you on creating an accessible learning environment at home or in preschool.
Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
The SLP works on communication skills. This could include helping your child form sounds, learn words, or use gestures to communicate. They also address feeding or swallowing difficulties if those are a concern.
Interpreter
If sign language or another language is used, the interpreter ensures everyone in the meeting fully understands each other. Their job is to provide clear and accurate communication between you and the professionals, so nothing gets missed.
Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist (ENT)
The ENT is a doctor who focuses on your child’s ears, nose, and throat. They address medical issues that might affect hearing, breathing, or feeding and can provide treatments if needed, like clearing fluid from your child’s ears.
Deaf Mentor
A Deaf Mentor is a Deaf adult who supports your family in learning about Deaf culture and communication. They help you and your child connect with the Deaf community and develop confidence in using sign language or other communication methods.
These team members play specific, valuable roles in shaping a plan that fits your child’s needs and your family’s goals. Their skills and insights complement one another, creating a strong foundation for your child’s growth.
