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