Child and Parent Characteristics Affecting the Authorization and Expenditure of Funds for Early Intervention Services

Abstract

This article examines parent and child characteristics that are associated with utilization of funds authorized under Part C of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Child age and the presence of parent service needs are among the variables that influence how much early intervention service is available for infants and toddlers with developmental delays and disabilities, as authorized by the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Higher levels of child need were associated with a larger number of services authorized, and greater amounts of unspent funds. It appears that children of high needs parents are less likely to use additional services their children need. These findings are interpreted to suggest that family and child characteristics that promote larger authorizations for Part C services may also limit their ability to utilize all of the services identified in the IFSP. In addition, this study found that contrary to expectations, the home environment was not superior to specialty and clinic settings on parent involvement in early intervention activities.