1. (a) The initial IFSP meeting for a program-eligible child may be combined with the meeting to determine program eligibility.

2. (b)

   1. (1)

      1. (A) The initial IFSP meeting to develop the initial IFSP must be held within forty-five (45) calendar days of the date of the child’s referral for early intervention.
      2. (B) CMDE, program eligibility determination, and an initial IFSP meeting is not required if the referral was received by the First Connections Family Engagement Unit less than forty-six (46) calendar days from the child’s third birthday as the CMDE will not be conducted and program eligibility will not be determined.
      3. (C) The child and family are supported in accessing early childhood special education services under Part B-619 of IDEA provided through the LEA in which the child resides.
      4. (D) Parent consent to share and, or, or both release information must be documented in order to make the referral for the child and family.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Documentation of an exceptional family circumstance is the only justification for failure to hold the initial IFSP meeting within forty-five (45) calendar days of the date of the child’s referral for early intervention.
      2. (B) The reason for the exceptional family circumstance must be documented in the child’s electronic record in the state-approved data system.
      3. (C) The initial IFSP meeting must be held as soon as practicable after the circumstances causing the exceptional family circumstance no longer exist.
   3. (3) A child must have a completed CMDE and initial COS 1-7 number rating prior to the initial IFSP meeting.

3. (c) The initial IFSP meeting must include, at a minimum:

   1. (1) The initial service coordinator;
   2. (2) The evaluator who conducted the age-appropriate standardized developmental evaluation instrument or a knowledgeable representative;
   3. (3) The parent; and
   4. (4) Any other individuals that the parent would like to attend and for which there is documentation of parent consent to share and, or, or both release information with these individuals.
4. (d) An initial IFSP meeting may be held in-person or by any other means acceptable to the parent and other participants.

5. (e)

   1. (1) Written notice of the initial IFSP meeting must be provided to the parent and any other participants.
   2. (2) It must be documented in the child’s electronic record in the state-approved data system if the parent requests the initial IFSP meeting be held before receiving prior written notice.

Codification Notes: Part B-619 of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is codified at 20 USC § 1419. "COS" means Child Outcomes Summary.