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ERIC Number: ED417504
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1998-Mar
Pages: 37
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Planning for Young Children with Disabilities and Their Families: The Evidence from IFSP/IEPs.
Gallagher, James J.
This study analyzed the goals statements on Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individual Education Programs (IEPs) of 72 families in nine communities. The sample was drawn from communities of varying sizes in three states (Colorado, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania). Families were chosen to include children in 1-year age groupings and to maximize the level of disability complexity, race, and income differences. Goals were categorized by three raters into eight child-based goals: fine motor, gross motor, cognitive development, speech/language, psycho-social, self-help, sensory, and other. In addition, nine family goals were categorized: child-based intervention/service, medical/diagnostic information services, respite, support/counseling, basic needs, program participation/service coordination, family enrichment, transition, and other. Case study interviews and focus group discussions were held with the families. The major finding from the analysis of IFSP and IEP goals and the interviews was that goals and services were primarily child focused, with relatively few family goals or services designated, despite the recognized importance of a family-focused approach. Focus group results suggested that one reason for the lack of family goals may be a reluctance by service providers to intrude upon the private life of the family. Improved training of service providers is suggested. Tables detail the analysis of goals. (Contains 35 references.) (DB)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: North Carolina Univ., Chapel Hill. Frank Porter Graham Center.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A