What Is an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)? A Guide for Oregon Families
- Alexa Sherman
- Jul 21
- 4 min read
From birth to age five
If you're the parent or caregiver of a young child with developmental delays or a diagnosed disability, you may have heard the term Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. But what exactly is it — and how does it support your child’s development?
In Oregon, an IFSP is the foundational document that outlines early intervention (EI) services for children from birth to age 3. It also reflects Oregon’s strong commitment to family-centered planning, with the option to continue IFSP services through age 5 under Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE).
In this blog, we’ll break down what an IFSP is, how the process works, and how to get started — all with a focus on Oregon families.
What Is an IFSP?
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is a written plan developed for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. It outlines early intervention services tailored to the child’s specific needs while supporting the family's capacity to help their child grow and thrive.
📘 In Oregon, all early intervention and IFSP services are provided at no cost to families. Learn more from the Oregon Department of Education.
Key Features of the IFSP
1. Family-Centered Focus
Oregon's IFSP is built around the idea that families are a child’s first and most important teachers. It includes your goals, concerns, routines, and values, helping professionals understand what matters most to you.
2. Comprehensive Early Intervention Services
Depending on your child’s needs, services may include:
Developmental instruction and family training
These services are provided in natural environments, such as your home, childcare center, or community setting.
3. Individualized Goals
Every IFSP is tailored to your child. Goals are specific, measurable, and meaningful, based on where your child is now and where you'd like them to be in daily routines like mealtime, play, or getting dressed.
4. Multidisciplinary Team Collaboration
The IFSP is developed by a team that may include:
Special educators
Therapists (speech, OT, PT)
Service coordinators
Health professionals
You — the parent or caregiver
5. Regular Reviews and Updates
The plan is reviewed at least every 6 months, but can be updated anytime your child’s needs change. This ensures the plan evolves with your child.
6. Transition Planning at Age 3 and again at 5
As your child approaches their third birthday, your team will begin transition planning. If your child continues to qualify, they will:
Remain on an IFSP (in Oregon, through age 5), or
Transition to an IEP (Individualized Education Program)Â through your local school district (at age 5)
The IFSP Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Referral and Evaluation
Anyone (including parents, doctors, or childcare providers) can refer a child for an early intervention evaluation. In Central Oregon, referrals are made through the High Desert Education Service District (HDESD).
🔑 What to expect:
You'll receive written confirmation of your referral.
You'll be asked about your preferred language, and an interpreter will be provided if needed.
You must sign written consent before any evaluation can take place.
You can request an evaluation at any time during the process.
Once you sign consent, the agency has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation and hold your first IFSP meeting.
Step 2: Determining Eligibility
To qualify for services in Oregon, your child must:
Show a 25% delay or greater in one or more developmental areas (communication, motor, cognitive, social-emotional, or adaptive skills), or
Have a diagnosed condition likely to result in developmental delays (such as Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or hearing loss)
📄 View Oregon’s full eligibility rules: Oregon Administrative Rules for EI/ECSE
Step 3: Developing the IFSP
If your child is eligible, you'll meet with a team of professionals to:
Review evaluation results
Share your priorities and daily routines
Write goals and choose services that support your child in everyday life
🧾 You’ll receive a copy of your IFSP and your parent rights in early intervention.
Step 4: Implementing Services
Once the IFSP is signed, services begin! Your team may visit you at home, observe your child at daycare, or provide coaching so you can embed learning into your daily routines.
Step 5: Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Your child’s IFSP is reviewed every 6 months and rewritten at least once a year. You can request changes at any time.
Why the IFSP Matters
The IFSP is more than a document — it’s a roadmap for your child’s early growth and your family’s support system. It helps ensure your child gets the help they need when it matters most — during the crucial early years of development.
🌱 Want to go deeper?
Check out my IFSP workshop and/or IFSP to IEP Workshop — designed to help parents understand the next steps, advocate confidently, and plan for appropriate services.
Get Support for Your Family
At Alexa’s ABCS, I help families:
Understand the IFSP and evaluation process
Prepare for all school meetings
Advocate for their child’s early needs with confidence
Early support builds a strong foundation. Let’s take the next step together.