This project is designed to develop a computer-assisted method of developing the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) required of Early Intervention programs as part of the 1986 Education of the Handicapped Act.Because of the constantly changing developmental phases of the birth to five year old population, specific long term achievements are very difficult for professionals to predict. As a result, hand-written IFSP's must be constantly modified to reflect child growth and new developmental goals - a significant administrative burden for professional staff, a significant expense for administrative staff and a confusing process for families.. A computer system that allows the therapist and teachers to monitor growth and plan for achievement in an efficient and effective manner is necessary to maintain the quality of service for a constantly increasing population.This project will develop an IFSP system that will: I) provide basic administrative data on each child; 2) accurately describe skills, abilities and needs of the child and family 3) outline near-term goals and objectives for the child and family; 4) monitor the outlined goals, noting achievement, adding new goals, and modifying goals based upon the child's growth; 5) provide child and family with clear and understandable IFSP's and progress reports.Key Words: Early intervention, IFSP, goal, objectives, database.
Anticipated Results:Phase I will result in the completion of a Needs Assessment specifically focused on how the IFSP is developed at Early Intervention 'sites, the contents of the IFSP, and the goals that program staff, directors, and state Part H coordinators have for the IFSP form. Based upon that information, a prototype IFSP form will be developed and programmed on an MS-DOS computerPhase II will result in the development of a complete IFSP System on an MS-DOS, Apple II and Macintosh computer. All platforms will be identical in operation. An integral part of the system will be the development of a library of goals and objectives specifically targeted to the needs of Early Intervention programs. The IFSP development program that will be developed will be, with minor revision, applicable to all programs that write plans for individual achievement: mental health agencies, special education, drug and alcohol rehabilitation services are just a few of the potential clients.Topic 3: Development of Management Information System Software Concerned with Need of Individuals with Disabilities and their Families
