Welcome to Unit 2:
The Four Phases of Service Coordination
One way to organize your thinking around service coordination responsibilities is to divide them into four general phases. This approach was developed by the Pathways Service Coordination Project – a training program developed by the Waisman Center Early Intervention Program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison through a grant from the United States Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services. The four general phases can help you determine the skills that will help you to complete the job. Although the four phases are distinct, they will not always occur in the order outlined below. The phases flow in accordance to what the family needs and incorporate the seven functions of service coordination required by federal law and outlined in Unit 1.
The following outline defines the responsibilities and/or recommended tasks within each phase. Those that are required under Wisconsin Administrative Code, HFS 90, are noted. Proceed through the entire outline or pick the specific topics of interest to access resources and activities that will assist you in developing your skills.
- Phase 1: Getting Started
- The Initial Contact
- Informing Families of Their Rights and Responsibilities (HFS 90)
- Informing Families of the Availability of Advocacy Services (HFS 90)
- Coordinating the Performance of Evaluations and Assessments (including eligibility determination) (HFS 90)
- Facilitating the Development of the IFSP (HFS 90)
- Application Station: Family-Based Assessment
- Phase 2: Follow Along
- Coordinating the Delivery of Services and Monitoring Timelines (HFS 90)
- Responding to Family Needs
- Facilitating the Review and Evaluation of the IFSP (HFS 90)
- Application Station: Meeting Ongoing Family Needs
- Phase 3: Unexpected, Immediate Needs or Crises
- Supporting the Family
- Identifying and Suggesting Additional Resources
- Application Station: Providing Supports and Resources
- Phase 4: Transitions
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