Prince George’s County Public School’s
Seamless System of Early Childhood Intervention
Birth to FiveWhat’s it all about!
2010
I’ve heard rumors ….
Extended what?
I’m going to have to go where?
Seamless System of Early Intervention
Birth
Natural Environment
•Home
•Community
5 yrs old
Kindergarten
• School
1 yrs old
2 yrs old
3 yrs old4 yrs old
Natural Environment
•Community
• Home
• Child Care/LRE
What is Extended IFSP Option
• The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) was awarded federal stimulus funds to offer families the option to extend early intervention services through an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) beyond age 3 to kindergarten age. Families will have the option to continue services through an IFSP.
Purpose
The Extended IFSP Option will expand the possibilities for children to continue to access services under an IFSP as well as to ensure that the families of eligible children continue to receive family training and supports.
This option will create the opportunity to incorporate the strength of the special education educational component with the existing infants and toddlers family-centered service model.
Extended IFSP• The State’s goal is to promote
school readiness for all children. Why Now
•The Extended IFSP Option offers the opportunity to link concepts addressed during early intervention with school readiness in a family support model.
Extended IFSP
• The State’s Readiness data indicates children with special needs fall behind their typically developing peers at a greater rate as they approach kindergarten age
Parents are Talking
“IFSP, IEP …Both helpful! Hmmm I
agree this being so new...there are
inconsistencies in delivery. But an IFSP
in the preschool...hmmm
definitely a thought !”
“So far I am pleased with services under the IFSP. She probably will
qualify for the preschool in the IEP. My understanding is the parent
satisfaction scores are higher with an IFSP.”
Benefits of Extended IFSP on School Readiness
• Infants and Toddlers families report higher understanding of how to help their children.
• Increase family awareness of school readiness resources beyond the school day.
• Develop school readiness activities with families that are specific to their family needs and routines.
Extended IFSP Provides
Year Round Services are provided (although location and frequency will be determined by team—not ESY)
Family receives service coordination
Family
Focused
Service Plan
vs. Child’s
Educational
Plan
School Readiness Outcomes
What have you learned?
When could the Extended IFSP end?
What do you already
know about
Extended IFSP
Why would a family
choose Extended
IFSP?
Where can an Extended
IFSP be implemented?
What else is happening?
At risk 3 year olds do not have adequate access to inclusive preschool opportunities which impacts school readiness and student achievement.
Least Restrictive Environment
To the maximum extent appropriate, children with disabilities, including children in public or private institutions or other care facilities, are educated with children who
are not disabled.
Least Restrictive Environment
Nationally, school districts have been increasingly aware of the need for a variety of placement options.
What does it all mean for
Prince George’s County
Public School?
2009-2010 MSDE Target for LRE
59% 49% 49% PGCPSPGCPS
3 yrs. – 5 yrs.
2009-2010 MSDE Target for LRE
55% 46% 46% PGCPSPGCPS
4 yrs.
2009-2010 MSDE Target for LRE
59%
25% 25% PGCPSPGCPS
3 yrs.
What’s the bottom line?
School staff will have to re-think their role and learn to be comfortable providing services outside of the school building, co-teaching, coaching families and consulting.
The Extended IFSP/LRE Plan
2010-2011 School Year• Extended IFSP option available across the Early
Childhood continuum. • Some inclusive classrooms for 3 year olds • Increase co-taught classrooms for 4 year olds• Service more children in community programs
The Extended IFSP/LRE Plan
2011-2012 School Year• 3 year old children will attend school 1-4 days a
week (Children with autism will be the exception)• Home visits for all 3 year olds • Increase inclusive opportunities for 3 years.
The Extended IFSP/LRE Plan
FAQWho decides placement for 3 year olds?• 3 year old placement will continue to be
needs based regardless of the document.Will a child on an IFSP be in a preschool
classroom?• Yes, a child on an IFSP may be in a
preschool classroom. However, I/T must continue to meet MSDE natural environment target of 90%.
The Extended IFSP/LRE Plan
FAQ
Who is responsible for writing the IFSP.
• The family, I/T team and the Part B representative will amend the IFSP prior to the age of 3 years. Subsequent IFSPs will be written by the family, service coordinator and the Part B team.
The Extended IFSP/LRE Plan
FAQHow many home visits will a 3 year olds receive?•2010-2011 school year
3 yrs olds on an IFSP will have 4 visits
3 yrs olds on an IEP will have 1 visit
•2011-2012 school yearAll 3 yrs olds will have a home visit
component
Extended IFSP Plan
What: Extended IFSP Option Document
Who: Infants and Toddlers Providers
Where: Home Based or Child Care Homes
Community Groups – Library or play groups
Extended IFSP Plan
What: Extended IFSP Option or IEP Documents
Who: ECC Preschool Team (all disciplines)
Where: ECC 3 year old Inclusive Classrooms
Home visits
Extended IFSP Plan
What: Extended IFSP Option or IEP Documents
Who: Itinerants (Sp.Ed., PT, OT as needed, SLP up to 4x a year)
Where: Child Care Centers
Head Start
Home visits
Questions