From Fear to Advocacy: Your First IFSP

I didn’t personally go through California’s IFSP process with my own son. By the time we moved here, he was already older than three, which meant we skipped directly into the IEP system. But over the years, I’ve listened to so many parents describe their IFSP experiences—the good, the overwhelming, and the confusing—and I want to share what I’ve learned so you can feel more prepared than they did for your very first IFSP meeting.

What is an IFSP?

An IFSP, or Individualized Family Service Plan, is the written plan that guides early intervention services for children under age 3. In California, these services are offered through the Regional Center’s Early Start Program, though each state has its own version of early intervention. If you’re curious about the bigger picture of how infants and toddlers with developmental delays are supported, this overview of California’s Early Start system is a helpful resource.

What makes an IFSP unique is that it doesn’t just focus on your child’s development—it also considers your family’s routines, needs, and goals. The plan recognizes that when you support the family, you’re also supporting the child. For example, an IFSP goal might be something like, “Help Mateo communicate his needs at mealtime so that family dinners are less stressful,” or “Support Lily’s ability to play with her sibling for short periods.”

This family-centered approach is what sets IFSPs apart from later education plans.

IFSP vs. IEP: Understanding the Shift

• IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan): For children under 3. Family-centered, with goals that fit into daily life. Services often take place in natural environments—your home, daycare, or wherever your child spends most of their day.

• IEP (Individualized Education Program): This starts when your child turns 3 and transitions into the school system. The focus shifts more toward educational needs in a classroom or preschool setting. f you want to learn more about IEP meetings and how to prepare, check out Your IEP meeting with Free Accommodation List.

Many parents have shared that this transition feels like a big leap. The good news: the Regional Center usually helps families prepare for the shift, so you won’t face it alone.

The IFSP Process: Step by Step

Once your child has been evaluated and found eligible for early intervention, the next step is the IFSP meeting. This is where the plan takes shape. Parents often describe it as overwhelming at first, but also empowering once they see the plan written down.

Here’s what typically happens:

1. Reviewing Evaluations – The team goes over your child’s assessments. This includes developmental strengths and areas where extra support is needed. For many parents, this part can be emotional—hearing the words on paper can feel clinical, even when you already know your child’s challenges.
2. Family Priorities – You’ll be asked what’s most important to your family right now. Is it helping your child communicate basic needs? Reducing meltdowns during daily routines? Supporting motor skills so playtime is easier? Your answers shape the goals.
3. Setting Goals – Together, you’ll write measurable, realistic goals. These should connect to everyday routines rather than abstract skills. For example, “Child will use simple words to request a favorite toy,” instead of “Child will improve expressive language.”
4. Deciding on Services – Based on the goals, the team recommends services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, or infant development specialists. They’ll also talk about how often therapy happens and where it will take place.
5. Timelines and Progress – The IFSP isn’t set in stone. It’s reviewed every six months, and you can request changes sooner if needed.

What to Expect in the Meeting

Your IFSP meeting will usually include:

• Your service coordinator (from the Regional Center)
• Specialists or evaluators who assessed your child
• You—the parent or caregiver, whose voice is central

Common Hardships Parents Experience

Even though the IFSP system is designed to help, many families face challenges:

• Power Imbalance – Some families feel that professionals dominate the conversation, leaving little room for parent voices.
• Inconsistent Services – Depending on location and staffing, some parents experience delays in starting therapies.
• Advocacy Pressure – Parents quickly realize they must speak up—sometimes firmly—to ensure services align with their child’s needs.

Your Rights as a Parent

The process may not always be smooth. In a room full of professionals, it’s easy to forget—but you are an equal member of the team. A few key rights:

• Your input must be included in the plan.
• You can say yes or no to any service. Nothing is forced.
• Early Start services are free of charge.
• You can request changes anytime, not just at the 6-month review.

Helpful Questions to Bring

Parents often find it grounding to have a list of questions ready. Here are some examples:

• What does a typical therapy session look like?
• How can I practice these skills with my child at home?
• Can services be provided at daycare or preschool?
• How will progress be measured and shared with me?
• What happens if a service isn’t helping?
• How were my child’s needs determined during the evaluation?
• How do these goals fit into our family’s daily routines?
• What are my options if I disagree with the evaluation or recommendations?
• How soon will services start after this meeting?
• What training or resources are available for parents to support learning at home?
• Will the same therapist consistently work with my child, or might it change?
• What happens if my child misses sessions due to illness or family emergencies?
• How do we prepare for the transition from IFSP to IEP when my child turns 3?
• What community resources or parent support groups do you recommend?
• If I notice new challenges or developmental needs, how can I request an updated plan?

Writing down your questions ahead of time is one of the best things you can do for your first IFSP meeting. Even if your mind goes blank in the moment, you’ll have your list to lean on.

Final Encouragement

Every parent I’ve spoken with—even those who struggled with the process—has said that starting early intervention made a difference. And one day, you’ll look back and see that you and your child were stronger than you realized.