<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<regulation prefix="Regulation" num=".07" citation="COMAR 13A.13.01.07" title_num="13A" subtitle_num="13" chapter_num="01" heading="Development and Review of the IFSP.">
  <paragraph num="A.">
    <text>The initial meeting to develop an IFSP for a child evaluated for the first time and determined to be eligible shall be conducted within the 45 days of the referral consistent with 34 CFR §303.310 and Regulation .05 of this chapter.</text>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="B.">
    <text>Maryland IFSP Process.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program shall provide each local lead agency electronic access to the Maryland IFSP.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>Each local lead agency shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Use the Maryland IFSP, consistent with 34 CFR §303.344; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Ensure the development of a child’s initial IFSP, in accordance with §A of this regulation, at an IFSP team meeting unless:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>The child or parent is unavailable to complete the screening, the initial evaluation, the initial assessment of the child and family, or the initial IFSP due to exceptional family circumstances; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>The parent has not provided consent for the screening, the initial evaluation or the initial assessment of the child despite documented, repeated attempts by the local lead agency or EIS provider to obtain parental consent.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>In the event the circumstances described in §B(2)(b) of this regulations exist, the local lead agency shall:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>Document in the child’s early intervention record the exceptional family circumstances or repeated attempts by the local lead agency or EIS provider to obtain parental consent;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Complete the screening, the initial evaluation, the initial assessment, and the initial IFSP meeting as soon as possible after the documented exceptional family circumstances described in §B(2)(b) of this regulation no longer exist or parental consent is obtained for the initial evaluation and initial assessment of the child;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>Develop and implement an interim IFSP to the extent appropriate and consistent with §B of this regulation;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(d)">
        <text>Provide for the signature of the parent and other parties as required on the Maryland IFSP document;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(e)">
        <text>Ensure that early intervention services are provided consistent with 34 CFR §§303.13(a)(8), 303.26, and 303.344:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>In natural environments, including the home and community settings in which children without disabilities participate, to the maximum extent appropriate; or</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>In a setting other than the natural environment that is most appropriate, as determined by the IFSP Team, only when early intervention services cannot be achieved satisfactorily in a natural environment;</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(f)">
        <text>Implement the EIS as specified in the IFSP as soon as possible, but not later than 30 days from the date of parent consent, except as provided under 34 CFR §303.345;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(g)">
        <text>Ensure the provision of service coordination to an eligible child and the child's family, consistent with 34 CFR §§303.12 and 303.31, that includes the:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Designation of a service coordinator from the profession most immediately relevant to the child's or family's needs, or who is otherwise qualified to carry out all applicable responsibilities; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Assignment of responsibility for the implementation of the IFSP and coordination with other agencies and persons; and</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(h)">
        <text>Identify the actions to be taken to support the transition of children receiving early intervention services to preschool or other appropriate services, consistent with 34 CFR §§303.209, 303.344(h), and Regulation .09 of this chapter.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="C.">
    <text>Interim IFSP.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>The EIS for an eligible child and the child’s family may commence before the completion of the evaluation and assessments, as described in Regulation .05 of this chapter, if:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>It is determined that EIS are needed immediately by the child and the child’s family;</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Parental consent is obtained; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(c)">
        <text>An interim IFSP is developed that includes the name of the service coordinator who will be responsible for:</text>
        <paragraph num="(i)">
          <text>Implementing the interim IFSP; and</text>
        </paragraph>
        <paragraph num="(ii)">
          <text>Coordinating with other agencies and persons.</text>
        </paragraph>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>An evaluation and assessment shall still be completed within the 45 days of the referral consistent with 34 CFR §303.310 and Regulation .05 of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="D.">
    <text>Periodic IFSP Review.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>Periodic review shall provide for the participation of individuals identified in Regulation .06A of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>When necessary, provisions shall be made for the participation of other representatives identified in Regulation .06A of this chapter.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(3)">
      <text>A periodic review of an IFSP for a child and the child's family shall be conducted every 6 months, or more frequently if conditions warrant, or if the family requests such a review to determine:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>The degree to which progress toward achieving the outcomes is being made; and</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>Whether modification or revision of the outcomes is necessary.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(4)">
      <text>The periodic review may occur:</text>
      <paragraph num="(a)">
        <text>At an IFSP team meeting; or</text>
      </paragraph>
      <paragraph num="(b)">
        <text>By another means that is acceptable to the parents and other participants.</text>
      </paragraph>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
  <paragraph num="E.">
    <text>Annual IFSP Review.</text>
    <paragraph num="(1)">
      <text>An IFSP team meeting shall be conducted at least annually to evaluate the IFSP for a child and the child's family, and to revise the provisions of the IFSP, as appropriate.</text>
    </paragraph>
    <paragraph num="(2)">
      <text>During the annual IFSP team meeting, the results of any current evaluations conducted in accordance with Regulation .05 in this chapter and other information available from the ongoing assessment of the child and family shall be used to determine what EIS are needed and what EIS will be provided.</text>
    </paragraph>
  </paragraph>
</regulation>