Fundamentals of Early Intervention Service Coordination
for Wisconsin’s Birth to 3 Program

Introduction:

Fundamentals of Service Coordination is an electronically-based learning module for new and veteran service coordinators in Birth to 3. Since service coordination is one of the most important roles in early intervention, these individuals must be well-trained, well-informed and have a variety of skills. This training provides users with the latest resources, practical strategies, articles for study, references to the law, discussion questions and hands-on activity suggestions related to the service coordinator’s role. Learners will have the opportunity to read case-based scenarios and apply what they have learned. Participants will come away with a basic understanding of the legal requirements of their position as well as best practice guidelines on how to work with and support families raising children with disabilities. Supervisors can use this module to provide a required orientation to new employees (Birth to 3 state law - (HTML version) requires service providers, including service coordinators, to attend 5 hours of training each year related to early intervention), while veteran service coordinators can review and learn about the latest resources and strategies in the field. 

Learning Objectives:

Upon completing this module, a participant will:

·         Gain strategies to implement family-centered practices in the provision of Birth to 3 services, resources and supports. (All Units)

·         Understand and review state and federal law regarding service coordination in Wisconsin’s Birth to 3 Program. (All Units)                                                             

·         Further develop Birth to 3 concepts and components including: natural environments, procedural safeguards, transitions, Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), teaming. (Units 2 & 3)

·         Enhance skills to facilitate a meaningful IFSP process and document. (Unit 3)

·         Learn about new, valuable resources and practical hands-on strategies. (Units 2 & 3)

·         Feel more confident and competent in their role supporting families raising children with special needs. (All Units)

Getting What You Need From This Module:

A Word About the Format of These Materials:

We understand that service coordination in early intervention is a rewarding yet time-consuming position. With that in mind, we have designed this web module to help you continue your professional development at your convenience. Feel free to read or participate one unit or one page at a time. Practice what you have learned and consider reading on when you are able. Print out the lists of resources for daily use or file certain pages for reference when needed.

Arrow symbol Denotes a practical strategy that may help you on the job. At the end of each unit you will also find “Application Station” materials which provide discussion questions, case-based scenarios and activities that you can use to further your understanding of the topic area. Feel free to print out these pages and take notes.

Please know that we have attempted to make the format of this module accessible to you. However, in order to view some of the materials and readings in this module, you must utilize a computer with live web access. Many documents will be on-line or open through your web browser (i.e. Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer). Some documents are in pdf format and will require Acrobat Reader which you can download free of charge on the web at www.adobe.com. Typically, any item underlined and in blue is a hotlink to another document or website that will provide further information. Click on any blue phrase and you should go directly to that item. Make sure to “x out” or close out of that linked page (or use your browser’s back button) in order to return to the original web module unit. Note that if you do not have live web access and your are using this training via a CD-Rom, you will be able to link to many, but not all documents. If you have problems using this module, please contact the Wisconsin Personnel Development Project Director, Linda Tuchman at tuchman@waisman.wisc.edu or 608-263-6467.

Because state law requires that all service providers in early intervention complete a minimum of 5 hours of training each year related to early intervention, make sure to document your completion of this training and discuss the related activities with your supervisor. Consider using this certificate - (HTML version - text only).

Now, Let’s Get Started!

Understanding your own learning needs will help you to focus the use of this web module. Please take a moment to complete a self-assessment - (HTML version) and target your professional development by using this guide to learning - (HTML version). Here is an example of one program’s professional development plan - (HTML version).

Table of Contents:

These modules were developed by Lisa Pugh and Linda Wetzel, with consultation from Linda Tuchman and Meredith Green, for the Wisconsin Birth to 3 Personnel Development Project (WPDP) of the University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities – Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, with funding from the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Birth to 3 Program.

We wish to acknowledge and appreciate the program and service coordinators from the Dane and Rock County Birth to 3 Programs for their review of these materials and practical suggestions. We also appreciate the input and suggestions from parent and other staff members of the Waisman Center and Birth to 3 RESource.

 These modules were developed from a combination of materials, including:

  1. Pathways Service Coordination Project, Waisman Center-University of Wisconsin-Madison, funded by a number of grants from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. These materials were developed and field tested for several years within Wisconsin and several other states throughout the nation, leading to these publications: Pathways Trail Mix: A Collection of Ideas and Training Activities in Early Intervention Service Coordination (1999); Pathways in Early Intervention Service Coordination: A Video & Companion Guide (1996); Pathways: A Training and Resource Guide for Enhancing Skills in Early Intervention Service Coordination (1996); and Tuchman, L., Robbins, S.(1997). Course Guide for Social Work C896-200: Pathways to effective service coordination for families of infants and toddlers with disabilities.
  2. Wisconsin Personnel Development Project/Birth to 3 RESource Training materials posted on the Birth to 3 Training and Technical Assistance Website.
  3. Portage Project, CESA 5 Training Materials.
  4. Materials and forms created by Wisconsin County Birth to 3 Programs.
  5. Resources available on the Internet that have been developed by other programs throughout the country.