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VPIC Programs | FITP Overview As a service to the community, VPIC is proud to host the following information about the Family, Infant & Toddler Program of Vermont. Children grow and develop differently and at their own pace. The period from birth to age three is a critical time in a child's development and an important time for parents to have accurate information and consistent support close at hand. Acknowledging that families are central to the lives of children and that parents know best what they want for themselves and their children, Vermont is committed to providing early intervention services and supports in a way that recognizes the expertise and experience of families and promotes collaboration between families and service providers. The Family, Infant and Toddler Program of Vermont is a family-centered coordinated system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers who have a delay in their development, or a health condition which may lead to a delay in development, and their families. The Program brings together families and service providers from many aspects of the community, including public and private agencies, parent child centers, local school districts, health care practitioners, private therapists, and child care providers. Supports and services come together to meet each child's unique needs and the needs of their family in their home and community. By assisting in the coordination of locally available services, the Family, Infant and Toddler Program is working to ensure that Vermont's young children and their families have access to the widest possible array of early intervention services. Early intervention resources and supports might include help with obtaining and coordinating community services and supports, which may include:
Individualized Family Service Plan Services are provided through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Parents and other members of the team are partners in developing and implementing this plan to achieve the best possible results for the child and family. Along with early intervention resources and services, the family may include in the plan other community supports or resources they would like help in exploring or obtaining. Services and supports will be provided in the most convenient and natural places for the family and their child. This can include the family's home, child care setting, community play group, etc. Early intervention services should be supportive of families in the context of their own unique daily routine, lifestyle, culture, and community. Core Team A core team, including the family, an early interventionist and a local school district representative, a social worker, and a community resource parent plans evaluation activities, determines eligibility for services, and provides interim service coordination. A service coordinator, chosen by the family in partnership with other core team members is available for each family. This person's role is to assist in helping families obtain the services and assistance they need and have identified and to help coordinate services across agencies. Service coordinators will 1) enable families to play a central role in defining the types of services and supports appropriate for their child and family, 2) respond to family-identified concerns and priorities, and 3) enhance the capacity of families to meet the needs of their children. The Community Resource Parent position is an important component in ensuring a family-centered approach for Vermont's early intervention system. The Community Resource Parent is a parent of a child with special needs and is a member of the core team, participating in such activities as service coordination, public awareness efforts, eligibility determination, and the development and implementation of Individualized Family Service Plans. They are often the first person to talk with a family of a child being referred for services. The Community Resource Parent also provides families with resource and referral information, and maintains up to date records on regional resources available for families and young children. |
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