Early Intervention Outcomes

This one-page handout was developed by EI stakeholders outlining the three types of outcomes referred to in early intervention. Outcomes are statements of what family members want to see happen for their child and their family as a result of their participation in early intervention. Family and child outcomes can focus on any area of child development or family life that a family feels is related to its ability to enhance the child’s development. Outcomes often include a real-life context. An additional helpful resource, Breadth of the Three Child Outcomes, from the Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA) shares a variety of examples of child outcomes.

Family Outcomes
As part of your participation in early intervention, we will help you gain knowledge and skills in these three key areas:

  • Knowing your rights
  • Communicating your child’s needs
  • Taking appropriate action to meet your child’s needs

Child Outcomes
It is important to know how your child is developing as a result of receiving early intervention services. You see your child in activities and settings that other team members don’t. The three child outcomes are:

  • Building positive social relationships
  • Gaining and using knowledge and skills
  • Taking appropriate actions to meet their needs

IFSP Functional Outcomes
Functional outcomes are the benefits or results you want for your child and family as a result of participating in early intervention. These outcomes are meaningful to your everyday life and are included in the individualized family services plan (IFSP) that you develop with your EI team.

You Play a Key Role in Your Child’s Development
As a member of the EI team, your active participation is critical because you know your child best! How can you help?

  • Observe your child when you are at home and in your neighborhood
  • Share what you know with the other members of the EI team
  • Ask your EI team if you have questions about your child
  • Complete the Family Outcomes Survey