What is the purpose of an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP)?

The purpose of an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is to serve as a comprehensive plan designed to address the needs of infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities, along with their families. It focuses on family-centered support, which means that it not only considers the child's developmental status but also seeks to empower and assist families to effectively support their child's development. The IFSP outlines specific goals, services needed, and the strategies that will be utilized to achieve those goals, demonstrating a collaborative approach between families, service providers, and educators.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature or intent of an IFSP. The plan is not a contract between families and schools, nor is it focused on formal assessments or budgeting for educational services. Additionally, it is unrelated to evaluations of teacher performance, which highlights the distinct and vital role the IFSP plays in the context of early intervention and family support.