Audience Definitions

Families

This includes parents, extended family, primary caregivers (whether or not they are related to the child), foster parents, and anyone the parents or primary caregivers identify as part of their family.

Single Point of Contact (SPOE)

Some states begin the process for determining eligibility for Part C services through contact with an agency designated to refer an individual or family to programs or services for which they may qualify. Such an agency may be responsible for referrals for individuals with disabilities, regardless of age, or for services available to infants and toddlers, regardless of ability or circumstances. The referral process often begins by gathering basic information in order to provide appropriate resources and programs.

Intake Personnel (IP)

These individuals are trained to gather and record information related to child and family demographics, medical and social history, and a child’s diagnosis. In some programs this individual will remain with the child and family through the evaluation process, determination of eligibility, and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) development.

Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT)

Professionals involved in evaluating infants and toddlers, using standardized instruments and observation, to determine eligibility for early intervention services. The composition of the team varies, but it typically includes a psychologist/psychiatrist, an early intervention specialist, and one or more related service providers (based on the child’s diagnosis). Results are shared with the family and provided to Service Coordinators for eligible children. MDTs may also be involved in reassessments for IFSP reviews and transition planning.

Service Coordinators (SC)

Professionals who coordinate services to meet child and family needs as identified in the IFSP. They are responsible for IFSP development, ongoing assessment, IFSP reviews, and planning for transition from Part C to IDEA preschool services. These individuals may be social workers (LCSW), early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers, or related service providers. They may or may not be involved in providing direct intervention services.

Direct Service Providers (DSP)

Professionals who work directly with the child and family. Services may be provided in the home, a therapy center, a center-based program, or a hospital/medical center. In addition to providing direct early intervention instruction, these individuals may also be involved in evaluation to determine eligibility, development of Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSP), assessment, progress monitoring, service coordination, transition planning, or coaching related service providers. Included are:

Early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers
Developmental therapists
Related service providers: occupational therapists (OT), physical therapists (PT), speech therapists (ST), speech-language pathologists (SLP), teachers of the blind/visually impaired (TVI), teachers of the deaf/hard of hearing (ToDHH), nutritionists

Administrators (Admin)

This audience includes those involved in supervising Part C program staff, coordinating training opportunities, and/or making policy decisions.