Technical Assistance for Part C, Indicator 1

1. How do you ensure that services are provided in a timely manner?
2. Do you have clear policies and procedures in place on this requirement, including a clear definition of timely?
3. How have you communicated policies, procedures and definitions to programs and providers?
4. What opportunities do you make available for providers to receive training and TA on this requirement?
5. Is your monitoring and supervision for this requirement adequate?
6. Do you have valid and reliable data available on this indicator?
7. Do you have adequate numbers of personnel to provide services?
8. Are providers assigned in a way that results in provision of timely services?
9. Do your providers understand policies and procedures related to providing timely IFSP services?
10. Based on a review of child records, including those where there is noncompliance with timely services, and/or the local data available:
    • What types of services are not timely? All? Or just some types (e.g. OT, Speech)?
    • What percent of delays are related to services included in the initial IFSP? What are the reasons for those delays?
    • What percent of delays are related to new services added throughout the year? What are the reasons for those delays?
    • What is the range of delays for specific services? How many days?
    • In looking at disaggregated data, is there a difference in timeliness based on specific service coordinator? Or based on specific provider? Or based on some other variable in our program?

11. Based on provider interviews:
    • Why do your providers think there are delays in this area?
    • What do they think are the barriers to timely services?
    • What solutions do they think will address this issue?

Original Word Document

Sample Data Collection Form and Local Corrective Action Plan

• Local Corrective Action Plans: Collection and Use of Valid and Reliable Data for Determining Factors Contributing to Noncompliance (2008) developed by NECTAC, WRRC and DAC. See pages 2 - 4 for Indicator 1. This document provides questions a local program team would consider in investigating contributing factors for noncompliance and a framework for developing improvement strategies.
• Part C, Indicator 1 Guidance Suggestions- Technical Assistance Document
• Local Corrective Action Plans: Collection and Use of Valid and Reliable Data for Determining Factors Contributing to Noncompliance (2008) developed by NECTAC, WRRC and DAC. See pages 2-4 for Indicator 1. This document provides questions a local program team would consider in investigating contributing factors for noncompliance and a framework for developing improvement strategies.

Resources for Streamlining the IFSP Process

• A flowchart of steps/ responsibilities for IFSP process from referral through implementation of timely services to transition.  (IFSP resources)
• Two State Guidance documents describing the steps of the IFSP process including implementation of timely services. (Nevada; Maine)
• State examples of on-line training materials for service coordinators and others responsible for guiding the IFSP process

Resources for Recruiting and Retaining Adequate Personnel to Meet Timelines

• State Activities to Increase Staff Capacity- An analysis of 2006-2007 APRs, Indicators C-1 & C-7 yielded brief descriptions of Improvement Activities.  Each state was contacted for further details and permission to share ideas.
• An Introduction to Personnel Preparation Program Partnerships by the Personnel Improvement Center (PIC), describes a planful process for assuring adequate personnel to meet local needs.
• Statewide Personnel Data Management: Creating a System for Addressing Special Education, Early Intervention and Related Services Personnel Needs by the Personnel Improvement Center describes how a state data system can be used to understand specific personnel needs and develop targeted recruitment and retention strategies.
• ASHA has a listing of strategies used by several states to address shortages of SLPs. Innovative Programs to Address Personnel Vacancies in Health Care and Education
• Transdisciplinary teaming or a primary service provider model can extend the reach of available personnel, by serving more families.

                         -Robin McWilliams Cost Models in Early Intervention and

                         -M”lisa Shelden and Dathan Rush Enhancing Services in Natural Environments

                          

Resources for Improving the Efficiency of Service Models

• A Primary Service Provider Model makes efficient use of available personnel. The Primary Coach Approach resources developed at the Orelena Hawks Puckett Institute, provide extensive information on how to plan and implement this model. Common Misperceptions about Coaching in Early Intervention clarifies selected aspects of implementing coaching practices.

Community of Practice(CoP) on Natural Environments provides supports for effective practices in natural environments from referral throughout the IFSP process. Several products and resources have been developed to describe a growing national consensus on principles and effective practices in natural environments. Collections of these resources can be found on the TA Communities Website and the NECTAC Website, Family-centered Services Page. The TA Communities Website also has interactive features such as on-line discussions to facilitate networking and shared problem-solving.

CoP Facilitators: The National Early Childhood TA Center (NECTAC), the Southeast Regional Resource Center and the Region 6 Parent Technical Assistance Center.