There are specific required steps of the IFSP process defined by federal and state rules and regulations. In this section, the process that the IFSP team follows that leads to effective IFSPs is presented. Part C of IDEA also mandates timelines for these specific activities to be completed. This section presents these timelines and tells you who is involved in completing them.

Please click through the IFSP process at the bottom of the screen to view the timeline and learn more about each step in the process.

45-day Clock Begins
Referral
Once the local Early Steps receives the referral, the 45-day (calendar days) clock begins. The initial IFSP meeting must be held and the initial IFSP developed before the 45-day clocks ends. A service coordinator is assigned once the referral is received and first contact activities are initiated.

Within the 45-day Clock
First Contacts
During first contacts the service coordinator and family begin to establish a relationship and exchange information and plan for the child's evaluation and/or assessment, which takes place next.

Within the 45-day Clock
Evaluation and Assessment
Child evaluation and assessment involves the IFSP team exchanging information, through formal and informal methods, to determine the child's eligibility and subsequent intervention planning for the eligible child and his or her family.

Within the 45-day Clock
Initial IFSP
Next, an IFSP is developed for eligible children and families within 45 calendar days of the referral. This is called the initial IFSP. The IFSP is based on the family's concerns and priorities and the multidisciplinary evaluation and assessment results.

Within 30 Days
Implement the IFSP
Early intervention services and supports will be delivered in a timely manner, which is defined by Early Steps to be as soon as possible, but within 30 calendar days from when the family consented to the service or by the start date of the authorization period listed on the IFSP unless there is documentation of a child or family related issue or natural disaster which caused the delay.

At Least Every Six-months
Periodic Review
The service coordinator is responsible for ensuring implementation of the IFSP and scheduling a periodic review of the IFSP at least every six months, or more often if the family or a team member requests.

Annually
Annual Evaluation of the IFSP
The IFSP team evaluates the IFSP annually, at which time a new IFSP is developed.

90 Days to 9 Months Prior to Age 3
Transition
For children exiting Early Steps at age three, a transition conference is held, 90 days to 9 months prior to age three, to plan for a successful transition to other appropriate services and settings.