A Plan Will Help That Dream To Come True

Every person is unique and has special abilities. As you think about your dream for your child, it is important to plan how to make the dream come true. This plan should build on your child's strengths. Set goals that your child can reach in a short time. Celebrate each success.

Talk with family members, other parents, doctors, or teachers about your dream. Think about other people who will need to help your child reach each goal. Share your plan with those who can help and use them to plan the next step. Working with your child's teacher is important. Find out if there are booklets, videos, or other materials that would be helpful as you make your plan.

The IDEA, says that each eligible child must have a plan that lists program goals and the kinds of services and supports the child will need to reach those goals. Under IDEA there are two different plans: (1) the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for infants and toddlers (birth to 3-years-of-age) and (2) the Individualized Education Program (IEP). Under the law, states, with your agreement, can choose to use the IFSP or the IEP for children between ages 3 and 5.

A team of people work together to develop this written plan, and you, as a parent, are a very important member of this team. IDEA says you have the right to be part of the team that writes the plan. It is very important that you know about this plan and what rights and safeguards are there to help you. The school can give you information about this plan as well as the Parent Training and Information (PTI) center in your state. (See appendix B for state listings.)