Six Different
Approaches to Service Coordination
- Co-service Coordination-Parent
and provider formally agreeing to share in the responsibilities of the seven
functions of service coordination. The options are discussed and the outcome
for co-service coordinator is jointly agreed upon.
- Interim Service
Coordination-The program or agency initially and temporarily assigns a person
to coordinate services with a family. The length of involvement of this person
will vary, but typically it extends from the point of referral through the
development or up to the point of development of the IFSP. The responsibility
of service coordination is then transferred to another person on the early
intervention team.
- Position Dedicated
as Service Coordinator only-The dedicated service coordinator has sole responsibility
to carryout service coordinator responsibilities. They do not provide any
additional early intervention services. The program or agency may hire the
service coordinator directly, or agencies outside the early intervention program
may hire the service coordinator to account for possible conflicts of interest.
- Direct Service
Provider as Service Coordinator-A physical therapist, occupational therapist,
speech pathologist, teacher, nurse, or other direct service provider working
closely with the family acts as both the service coordinator and the service
provider.
- Parent as own Service
Coordinator-The parent agrees to take on the functions of service coordination
without the assistance of a paid individual from the program or agency. The
parents essentially waive their rights to having a service coordinator as
specified in Part C of IDEA. The program or agency, however, remains responsible
for providing service coordination if needed and must list a service coordinator’s
name on the IFSP along with documentation of the parent’s decision to take
on the service coordinator’s role.
- Combination of
Models within a Program-A program using more than one approach in the provision
of service coordination. Approaches may be varied or blended to best meet
program resources and preferences of the families.
Pathways: A Training
and Resource Guide for Enhancing Skills in Early Intervention Service Coordination