Interim IFSP
The Bottom Line
In the event of unavailability due to exceptional family circumstances or delayed parental consent, districts must offer an interim IFSP to the extent appropriate and consistent.
If the record indicates timelines were not met due to one of the exceptions allowed, then there must be documentation in the file regarding: the development of an interim IFSP OR an explanation of why an interim IFSP is not appropriate.
The button to the left will direct you to the DPAL for interim IFSP; however, keep in mind that there are separate DPALs for annual IFSP meeting, amendment to an IFSP, part C special education evaluation & IFSP development, part C evaluation - adopt and assess, IFSP periodic review, interim IFSP, part C screening, part C to part B transition planning. Simply scroll down in the DPAL doc to access all of the available DPALs.
Documentation
IFSP Student Information and Services Pages
Check the box on the front page of the IFSP if early intervention services for an ELIGIBLE child and the child’s family MAY begin before the completion of the evaluation and assessments. There are two form requirements for an interim IFSP.
The form must include:
The name of the service coordinator who will be responsible for implementation of the interim IFSP and the coordination with other agencies and persons
AND
2. The early intervention services determined to be needed immediately by the child and the child’s family.
Early Intervention Prior Written Notice to Start or Initiate Services
The specific reasons for the timeline exception need to be documented in Prior Written Notice. The following list includes potential reasons for the timeline exception:
Team established eligibility, but exceptional family circumstances makes child unavailable for completion of evaluation, assessment or to hold meeting
Team has reason to suspect that the child will qualify (parent reports condition known to hinder)
Urgent need to start services
Note: In addition, evaluation and assessment must be completed within the 45-day timeline, unless the 45-day timeline does not apply. Appropriate prior written notice must be given and signed parental consent received before implementing an interim IFSP.
Interim IFSP - IN ACTION!!!
Meet Marco
Marco was recently referred to early intervention (EI) due to suspected global delays. His family is living in a homeless shelter and only has one more week left before they must leave. His father is trying hard to find employment but is challenged by his lack of childcare. He is the sole caregiver for three children under the age of four.
Meet Nellie
Nellie was discharged from the hospital three days ago following a very lengthy stay of 16 months. She is a preemie with many medical complications. Weight gain has been a challenge for her and will need to be closely monitored now that she is home. Her family is eager to get EI in place to assist with Nellie’s feeding skills and encourage her overall development.
Meet Marco and Nellie! Both situations are examples of when writing an interim IFSP would be very appropriate. Interim IFSPs aren’t written very often. They can be viewed as sort of an emergency measure for eligible children who need supports and services to begin immediately.
Why an interim IFSP for Marco?
Marco's family could benefit from service coordination to help them find housing immediately.
A service coordinator may also be able to link Marco’s father locate child care options so that he is able to find employment.
Marco is in need of support and is eligible for EI, based on his developmental delays
Why an interim IFSP for Nellie?
Nellie’s extensive medical history and current feeding needs makes initiating services for her of utmost importance.
Nellie is in need of support and is eligible for EI based on her extended NICU stay, prematurity, and delays.
Fortunately for them, you don’t have to wait until your assessment is complete to get the ball rolling.
For both Marco and Nellie, time is of the essence. Both families are newly referred to EI, and both would benefit from immediate support. But wait…it might take the whole 45 days allowed for the timeline to assess these children and develop their IFSPs. Can they wait that long??
Let’s check in on both situations to see how developing an interim IFSP can help:
How to Help Marco
Once Marco was found eligible, an interim IFSP was developed with Marco’s father to initiate more intensive service coordination to assist the family. The service coordinator completed other required documentation with Marco (such as procedural safeguards and release of information forms so she could speak with the social worker at the homeless shelter), and began the process of arranging the assessment for service planning and IFSP meeting. Marco’s father and the service coordinator worked together closely, talking almost everyday. The service coordinator helped obtain a one month extension with the homeless shelter. Within two weeks, though, Marco’s father had accessed several programs through his local Department of Social Services for rent assistance and a subsidy for child care so that he could look for employment.
How to Help Nellie
Nellie was found eligible for EI based on a review of her medical records. An interim IFSP was written and physical therapy began three days later. The early intervention teacher and physical therapist was able to assist Nellie’s parents and her nurse in determining positioning options for safe feeding. The team also began seeing Nellie and worked closely with her family and nurse to monitor her caloric intake and began working on oral motor exercises to help Nellie learn oral feeding. Nellie’s assessment for service planning was held about a month later and a full IFSP was developed. The PT and EI Teacher continued to support Nellie’s family, and were happy to report at the assessment that Nellie was gaining weight and holding her head in midline better during feeding times.
The interim IFSP allowed both families to receive immediate support that helped to stabilize their challenging situations. While this type of IFSP is not used very often, it can be an important tool that allows eligible children and their families to receive the support they need right away.