Module One: Lesson Three

Early Steps Family Involvement Infrastructure

Florida recognizes that involving families is essential in the early intervention system. It is critical that family involvement occur in all aspects of the early intervention process including the evaluation and assessment process, Individualized Family Support Plan (IFSP) process, implementation of procedural safeguards, transition, delivery of services and supports, training, and policy making.

The previous sections illustrate how families are involved in the service delivery process for their individual child, but did not discuss the structure that Florida has in place to provide opportunities for families to play an active role in the formulation of policy. Specifically, parents should be offered opportunities and be encouraged to serve on state and local advisory boards, participate in advocacy and support groups, attend state and national conferences and collaboratively work with community providers in ongoing public awareness initiatives that address the unique aspects of services for children with special needs.

Additionally, adequate and effective training, information sharing, and support for families within Early Steps are key elements for ensuring families have the tools to fully participate throughout the early intervention process.

Early Steps has created an infrastructure to ensure family involvement throughout the early intervention process that includes Statewide Parent Consultants (information on the next page) and Family Resources Specialists (read about it later in the lesson) in the Local Early Steps, the Family Leadership Committee of the Florida Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers, as well as ongoing input mechanisms established for family input including workgroups, websites, and partnerships with other family groups and organizations.

Florida's Early Steps system recognizes the critical roles families play throughout the early intervention process and remains committed to evaluating and assessing opportunities to enhance family involvement and family-centered practices.

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