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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

IFSP Team Telepractice Determinations

The Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) team, including the parent, decides how each early intervention service will be delivered including if telepractice is an appropriate method. Any team member, including the parent, can make a recommendation, but the final decision is made by the full team—not any one individual. To make this decision, the IFSP team must consider several factors.

"Question 5: What should the IFSP Team consider if a parent requests that early intervention services are provided virtually as a method of delivery?

Answer: The child's IFSP Team (including the parent) must determine whether delivering the service virtually is an appropriate methodology for each service identified on the IFSP. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic some States permitted IFSP services to be delivered virtually. During various stages of the pandemic, States have allowed infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families to receive IFSP services virtually. Some parents may wish to continue to receive some or all IFSP services virtually. The State LA and its EIS providers may be able to provide IFSP services virtually depending on the State's policies and procedures, whether the services can be effectively provided on a virtual basis, and the individualized determination made by the child's IFSP Team. Early intervention services must be tailored to meet the unique needs of the individual child and family (34 C.F.R. ยง 303.344(d))."

"In some cases, in order to meet the child's unique needs, the IFSP team may consider a particular method or instructional approach to be integral to the design of an "individualized" program of early intervention services for an infant or toddler with a disability. In such cases, it would be appropriate for the IFSP team to list that specific method on the IFSP. Any IFSP team member, including the parent, may make recommendations regarding a specific method for the provision of an early intervention service. The final determination of the early intervention service identified on the IFSP is a decision of the IFSP team and not any individual member."

See also: Telepractice in IDEA Part C: Resources

IFSP Team Telepractice Discussion Guide

Telepractice is an appropriate method of service delivery under IDEA Part C. Services can be provided in-person, virtually, or as a mix of both (hybrid).

Telepractice should be discussed with the parent at intake or other early contacts when describing the early intervention program and how services are provided. The following steps guide the IFSP team to decide how each service for a child and family could be provided by telepractice.

Parents need to understand what telepractice is, what it looks like when effective, and its benefits so they can participate fully in team discussions and decisions.

  1. Does the parent understand what telepractice is and how it works in early intervention?
  2. Does the parent understand how telepractice supports effective, evidence-based practices?
  3. Does the parent understand the benefits of telepractice—for example, flexible scheduling?
  4. Does the parent understand their role on the IFSP team?
  5. Does the parent understand how the team decides together (not one person alone) if telepractice is a good fit for each IFSP service?

Telepractice only works if the parent has access to technology and any support needed to use it.

  1. Does the parent have reliable internet?
  2. What devices does the parent use—for example, a phone, tablet, or computer? What features do they support?
  3. Is a loaner device available, if needed?
  4. Is the parent comfortable using the technology?
  5. Does the parent need help from a service provider, family member, or another person during virtual visits? Are those people available?

Providers need the skills, knowledge and technology to effectively deliver services using telepractice. The IFSP team considers:

  1. Does the provider have the needed technology—for example, internet access and a phone, tablet or computer?
  2. Does the provider have experience using virtual technology?
  3. Is the provider comfortable with it?
  4. Has the provider received training or education on best practices in delivering early intervention services virtually?
  5. Does the provider have experience coaching families to promote their child's development?

Understanding the parent's needs and priorities helps the IFSP team determine whether telepractice is an appropriate method for any IFSP service. The service coordinator asks the parent:

  1. How do you learn best—for example, virtual coaching, in-person demonstrations, or a combination of both?
  2. Do you need in-person support from others to help you participate virtually—for example, a family member, friend, or service provider?
  3. What's working well, and what challenges are you facing during everyday routines and activities?
  4. Which routines and activities are concerns and priorities for you to work on—for example, going to church, eating meals with the family, going to the grocery store, and bathing?
  5. Do you need flexible scheduling due to work or other factors?

The child's IFSP outcomes help the team decide whether telepractice is a good fit for meeting the child's needs. The IFSP team discusses:

  1. What developmental and participation goals are identified in the child's IFSP outcomes?
  2. Do the strategies require hands-on support or guidance that cannot be provided virtually?
  3. Where will services take place, and does telepractice work there—for example, at home, grandparents' home, library reading group, playground, or family day care?
  4. Does the child have medical, behavioral, or other needs to consider? If yes, what are they?
  5. Would hybrid services—a combination of virtual and in-person visits—help implement IFSP strategies and achieve outcomes?
  6. Is the child making progress with telepractice?

Determining if telepractice is an appropriate method for each IFSP service is the last step and must account for information gathered in previous steps. Before making a determination, consider everyone's perspectives and rationales, including the parents'. No one team member can decide alone.

  1. What are the parent's needs, child's needs, provider's readiness? What kinds of access to technology are available?
  2. Do the child's routines, activities, and service locations outlined in the IFSP support the use of telepractice?
  3. Should services be in-person, virtual, or a hybrid—for example, providing an IFSP service in-person for some visits and virtually for others, or having a service provider in-person at the same time a specialist is connected virtually?

Document Telepractice Determinations in the IFSP

When documenting in the IFSP:

  • Record the method for each service (virtual, in-person, hybrid).
  • Include flexibility if using a combination of in-person and virtual visits—for example, Speech Language Pathology quarterly for 6 months (twice in-person, and four virtual).
  • Clearly describe how services will be delivered—for example, occupational therapy making 12 visits virtually for three months, or monthly joint visits with developmental specialists in-person and the vision specialist participating virtually for one year.

in collaboration with:

  • Infant & Toddler Coordinators Association