Early Steps requires the IFSP team to select the Primary Service Provider (PSP) for each child and family. This person can be a therapist, other licensed healing arts professional, or an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist (ITDS).
The PSP is the individual that has the responsibility to ensure that exchange of information and discussions between team members occur on a frequent basis. The service coordinator continues to be responsible for coordination of resources and service provision as reflected on the IFSP.
The team member who serves as the PSP may change based on the evolving needs of the child or family/caregivers or the focus of the current functional outcomes being addressed.
To decide who on the IFSP team should be a particular family's PSP, the IFSP team considers the following factors:
IFSP outcomes and strategies
Relationship with learners (family members, other caregivers, other professionals)
Expertise (not solely discipline) in the areas of support needed by the child and family/caregivers
Logistics (schedules, areas, availability)
Once the PSP is selected, the IFSP team determines what support the PSP needs from other team members to address each outcome. The team also determines the type and amount of interaction needed to strengthen and support parents' and other caregivers' confidence and competence in promoting the child's learning and development.
Early Intervention services are most effective when provided in the least intrusive manner. A PSP is identified to serve as the principle point of contact between program staff, family members and other caregivers. By coordinating services through a PSP, families have access to a wide range of expertise without having to juggle multiple appointments with a variety of providers. This approach results in less disruption of daily family life.
Research shows a direct relationship between increased child and family services and decreased personal and family well-being, as well as decreased family functioning. Families are more satisfied with services and children achieve better outcomes when services are coordinated and provided at an intensity that is responsive to the child's needs and the family's concerns and goals.
