Best Practice Methods: Measuring Outcomes in Early Intervention

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is required to report to Congress on the outcomes that children accomplish while participating in early intervention (Part C) and early childhood (Part B) programs funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004). All participating states including Illinois are mandated to develop child outcomes data-capturing processes based on the OSEP guidelines in an effort to ensure a new level of accountability. The presenters of this workshop will share strategies to support the EI team member role in: a) participating in the child outcomes summary rating process; b) connecting IFSP outcomes with the functional child outcomes; c) writing functional Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) outcomes and collecting data to measure progress and d) supporting families in understanding and participating in the process. Participants will identify an action plan including at least three strategies they can use in their own practice to participate in the team rating process for outcome measures.

Participants will:
1. Define the three functional child outcomes that all early intervention programs must measure and report nationally
2. Describe national and state tools and resources that support participation in the Child Outcomes measurement process
3. Identify tips and strategies for writing functional Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) outcomes and collecting data to measure progress
4. Identify at least three strategies to support EI team members including families in participating in IFSP meetings