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ECO Resources: Q & A
This page summarizes many questions frequently asked about the child and family outcomes measurement process and provides brief answers. For more detailed information or to share other questions and comments, contact us at staff@the-eco-center.org.
Click here for printable versions of the ECO Q & A [PDF 201K] [RTF 3052K]
OUTCOMES AND FEDERAL REPORTING
- Q. What are child and family outcomes?
- Q. Why are states measuring outcomes for programs serving young children with disabilities?
- Q. What are the child outcomes that states need to report to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)?
- Q. What do the child outcome statements mean?
- Q. Where did these outcome statements come from?
- Q. What is a functional outcome?
- Q. How are the functional outcomes different from domains?
- Q. Doesn't all functioning require the acquisition and the use of knowledge and skills (Outcome 2)?
- Q. What information will be reported to OSEP about the three child outcome statements?
- Q. When are states required to begin reporting data on the outcome statements?
- Q. Are states required to report on a child's progress for any outcome in which the child does not have a delay?
- Q. Why is the progress of children with special needs being compared to expectations for same age peers?
- Q. Children with severe disabilities may never move toward typical development, but they often do make progress with the assistance of early intervention and preschool special education programs. How will this progress be reflected in federal reporting?
- Q. Some disabilities become progressively more debilitating over time and some children may regress rather than make progress. Won't this negatively impact the results that states report and make programs appear as though they aren't effective?
- Q. Can't we already judge the effectiveness of Part C and Part B Preschool programs through the exit data that reports the number of children who exited the program and the number of children who reached their IFSP or IEP goals?
- Q. Is the federal government requiring that states submit data on family outcomes?
- Q. What family outcome statements did the ECO Center recommend that OSEP adopt?
- Q. What information are states required to report to OSEP about families?
CHILD OUTCOMES SUMMARY FORM (COSF)
- Q. What is the Child Outcomes Summary Form (COSF)?
- Q. Is the COSF an assessment tool?
- Q. Where can I find information on developmental expectations for children of different ages?
- Q. Can a state adapt the Child Outcomes Summary Form (COSF)?
- Q. Do you have the COSF or the FOS translated in other languages?
CROSSWALKS
FAMILY OUTCOMES SURVEY
- Q. What is the Family Outcomes Survey (FOS)?
- Q. Can a state or program adapt the Family Outcomes Survey to fit its needs?
- Q. Do you have the COSF or the FOS translated in other languages?