Outcomes 101: ECO Q&A

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Q. What family outcome statements did the ECO Center recommend that OSEP adopt?

A. As a result to the ECO stakeholder process (See question:Where did these outcomes come from?), the following five outcomes were identified as desired outcomes for all families participating in early intervention:

  • Families understand their child's strengths, abilities, and special needs.
  • Families know their rights and advocate effectively for their children.
  • Families help their child develop and learn.
  • Families have support systems
  • Families access desired services, programs, and activities in their community.

Consensus was achieved for all five of these outcomes as relevant for families participating in Part C early intervention services. For families with children receiving preschool special education services, there was consensus that outcomes 1, 2, and possibly 3 apply. Consensus was not reached as to whether outcomes 4 and 5 apply to families receiving services through preschool programs.

However, OSEP's final requirements are somewhat different from the ECO recommendations. To see what OSEP requires states to report, see question: What information are states required to report to OSEP about families?

For more information on family outcomes read: