ECO Resources: IFSP/IEP-Outcomes Integration

Overview


States and local programs are making child and family outcomes measurement more efficient and more effective by integrating those processes with IFSP and IEP development and implementation.  NECTAC and the ECO Center are working to support states who are making changes to their systems and materials to integrate these two processes. This page highlights materials and resources that may be of interest and use to other states and programs.

Learning Community

There is a newly-formed learning community around integrating their IFSP/IEP development and outcomes measurement approaches. The purpose of the learning community is to bring together states and local programs to explore issues, develop guidance, and share tools and materials that support an integrated approach.  For more information, please see our learning communities page or contact Kathi Gillaspy at kathi.gillaspy@unc.edu. Calls are scheduled for the second Wednesday of the month; for more information see the Upcoming Events page.

Background Information

The following video presentation provides an overview to the IFSP-IEP integration processes across work with ECO, NECTAC, and a number of early childhood professionals interested in these processes, in addition to highlighting recent work.

The IFSP/IEP-Outcomes Integration Think Tank, co-sponsored by NECTAC and ECO, was held March 15-16, 2010 in Chapel Hill. The purpose of the think tank was to begin the discussion about ways to integrate IFSP and IEP processes with the child outcomes measurement process.

Resources and Tools


IFSP-IEP Integration Flow Charts & Activities

The following flow charts show where opportunities to collect functional information for child outcomes measurement may be integrated throughout the IFSP or IEP process.

  • IFSP Outcomes Flow Chart [PDF]- August 23, 2010
  • IEP Outcomes Flow Chart [PDF]- August 23, 2010

NECTAC and ECO staff created program-specific variations on these generic flow charts based on interviews with key state and local Part C and Section 619 staff. 

  • West Virginia Part C Flow Chart [PDF]
  • Department of Defense Part C Flow Chart [PDF]
  • Valley View, IL- Early Childhood Center, 619 [PDF]
  • Maryland 3 EC Outcomes into IFSP Process Flow Chart [60KB DOC]
  • Washington IFSP and Outcomes Measurement Process [51KB DOC]
The following worksheets provide a series of questions for programs to use in discussing the overlap of outcomes work and IFSP/ IEP development. The worksheets are designed to be used with the corresponding generic flow charts, above.

  • IFSP-Outcomes Integration Worksheet [PDF]
  • IEP-Outcomes Integration Worksheet [PDF]

The following documents describe in further detail when and how to collect information for child outcomes as part of IFSP and IEP processes.  The documents also invite the reader to reflect upon the extent to which one’s own program is integrating child outcomes measurement in each step of the  IFSP or IEP (e.g. ‘not implemented, ‘needs improvement,’ or ‘implemented’). 

The tools and materials presented here are still in ‘draft’ form and would be benefit from further piloting and feedback.  Please contact kathi.gillaspy@unc.edu for more information.

States Resources

The following documents were created by states to support the integration of the child outcomes measurement into the IFSP or IEP process.

Maryland
  • Maryland Integration Graphic: This visual was created to help the field understand the integration process of child outcomes measurement into the MD IFSP. [1.35MB PDF]
  • Maryland COS Worksheet: This tool helps providers summarize information from multiple sources according to the three child outcome areas in order to complete outcomes measurement. [183KB PDF]
  • COS Ratings and Maryland Descriptors with Buckets: This document is Maryland's customized version of the descriptor statements and bucket list. [65KB PDF]
  • Green IFSP Booklet: This guide for parents explains the IFSP process. It includes information about the child outcomes measurement process as well as a worksheet for parents to use in preparation for the IFSP meeting, including summarizing their child's strengths and needs, organized by the 3 outcomes. [7.7MB PDF]
  • Healthy Beginnings: This document contains the Maryland early learning standards and is organized and crosswalked by the 3 child outcome areas. [844KB PDF]
Washington
  • Washington IFSP Resource Guide: This is the current TA guide for the providers in Washington State. It includes extensive explanation of the Summary of Functional Performance (WA’s child outcomes summary form), which includes the selection of an outcomes descriptor statement for child outcomes measurement. [9.87MB PDF]

Sample IFSPs and IEPs

Maryland

Vermont
Washington
West Virginia

Resources from the 2011 Measuring and Improving Child and FamilyOutcomes Conference

Several sessions at the 2011 Outcomes Conference (New Orleans, LA) highlighted materials related to linking outcomes and IFSP/IEP development. Materials are posted on the conference webpage by session.

Integrating Outcomes Measurement with IFSP and IEP Processes. In this concurrent session, presenters from several states shared examples of the flow of activities used in their states and programs, and provided examples of related materials.

Presenters: Marcella Franczkowski (MD), Sharon Ringwalt (NECTAC), Kate Rogers (VT) and Karen Walker (WA)

Post-conference workshop: Integrating Outcomes Measurement with IFSP and IEP Processes. In this 3 hour workshop, states shared tools and resources they have used to link child outcome measurement with functional assessment conducted for IFSP/IEP development and developing meaningful IFSP outcomes/IEP goals. Participants used materials and strategies to help analyze their state’s activities, and discussed how best to implement an integrated approach.

Presenters: Lauren Barton (ECO at SRI), Kathi Gillaspy (NECTAC), Kathy Hebbeler (ECO at SRI), Pam Miller (MD), Mary Louise Peters (NECTAC), Kate Rogers (VT), Robin Rooney (ECO/NECTAC), and Karen Walker (WA)

Integration Featured at the 2010 Outcomes Conference
Several programs presented their integrated approaches at the ‘Measuring Child and Family Outcomes’ conference held July 30-31, 2010 in Arlington, VA.  Presenters, their PPT slide presentations, and the materials they shared at the conference are available on the conference website.