What is IDEA Part C and IFSP?

• A. Part C provides early intervention for birth to age 3; IFSP is the Individualized Family Service Plan.
• B. Part C covers ages 6-12.
• C. IFSP stands for Individualized Family Student Plan.
• D. IDEA Part C replaces IEP.

Answer: (A)

Part C of IDEA focuses on early intervention for children from birth through age 3 who have disabilities or developmental delays, and the plan that guides these services is the Individualized Family Service Plan, or IFSP. The IFSP is a family-centered document developed with the family’s input that outlines the child’s current development, family concerns and priorities, the specific services to be provided (such as speech, OT, PT, or family training), and where those services will be delivered (often in natural settings like home or daycare). It also designates a service coordinator and includes plans for transitioning to Part B services (an IEP) when the child turns three.

The other options don’t fit because Part C is not for ages 6–12, the acronym for IFSP is Individualized Family Service Plan (not Student), and IDEA Part C does not replace an IEP—both parts serve different stages of a child’s education journey.