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Understanding your child’s service plan (IFSP & FSP)
At About Play, one of our main goals is to make sure families feel confident, informed, and supported in every step of their early intervention journey. A big part of that journey involves your child’s service plan — which might be called an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or a Family Service Plan (FSP), depending on your child’s eligibility, needs, or the programs they’re receiving.
These plans are more than just paperwork — they’re personalized roadmaps designed to guide your child’s growth and help your family reach important developmental goals.
What is an IFSP or FSP?
- IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan)
- An IFSP is a written plan for children ages birth to three who qualify for early intervention services. It outlines your child’s current abilities, developmental goals, and the specific services that will help achieve them. An IFSP also considers resources, priorities, and concerns of your family. Family involvement is a key part of your child’s success through incorporation of daily routines & schedules.
- FSP (Family Service Plan)
- An FSP is similar to an IFSP but may be used for children who are slightly older or in certain programs. Like the IFSP, it is family-centered and goal-oriented, ensuring your child gets the right support at the right time.
What’s Included in Your Child’s Service Plan?
Both IFSPs and FSPs typically include:
- Current developmental levels – A snapshot of your child’s strengths and areas for growth.
- Measurable goals – Specific, realistic objectives for your child’s progress.
- Services to be provided – The types of therapy or developmental support your child will receive, such as speech, occupational, or developmental services. And the payment source as applicable.
- Timelines – When services will start and how often they’ll occur.
- Family resources and strategies – Tools, activities, and supports to help you encourage progress at home.
Why is This Plan So Important?
Your child’s service plan is more than just a checklist — it’s a collaboration between you, your service coordinator, and other professionals. It ensures that:
- Everyone involved is working toward the same goals.
- Services are tailored to your child’s unique needs.
- You have clear steps to follow and ways to track progress.
Your Role as a Parent or Caregiver
You are an essential part of your child’s early intervention team. Your input shapes the goals, strategies, and supports in the plan. Don’t be afraid to:
- Share your observations and concerns.
- Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
- Suggest goals or strategies that fit your family’s daily routines.
Updating the Plan
Service plans aren’t set in stone. They are reviewed regularly — usually every six months or sooner if needed — to make sure they reflect your child’s current needs and progress. This flexibility helps keep your child’s support effective and relevant.
At About Play, we’re here to guide you through every step of creating, understanding, and using your child’s IFSP or FSP. By working together, we can make sure your child has the tools, resources, and encouragement they need to thrive.
To learn more about our early intervention services, visit AboutPlaySC.com.
If you live in South Carolina and think your infant or child is experiencing developmental delays, we can help.
where do we offer early intervention services?
