The core requirements for agencies to conduct initial eligibility evaluations are: Early Interventionists who conduct initial evaluations will also participate in the development of initial IFSPs for families who opt to complete the IFSP as part of the initial multidisciplinary evaluations (MDEs). In Philadelphia, of those children who are determined eligible at the initial MDE, most families opt to complete the initial IFSPs immediately after the initial MDE. Initial evaluation to determine eligibility must occur in a timely manner, according to Part C of IDEA and Chapter 4226 requirements. According to Chapter 4226, implement non-discriminatory procedures that ensure, at a minimum: Tests and other evaluation materials and procedures are administered in the native language of the parent, unless it is clearly not feasible to do so. Assessment and evaluation procedures and materials are selected and administered so as not to be racially or culturally discriminatory. No single procedure is used as the sole criterion for determining a child’s eligibility under this chapter. Evaluations and assessments are conducted by qualified personnel. Services that are on the IFSP must be family centered, embedded in the routines and activities of the family and use evidence-based interventions within a transdisciplinary team and coaching framework, when appropriate, to address the agreed upon outcomes on the IFSP.
