IV. Priority Recommendations (continued)
in processes between counties that contribute to inequitable access for families depending on where they live. Consistency and quality in the eligibility determination process, which includes the multidisciplinary evaluation of a child’s developmental and health status, was a particular topic of interest. Parents, providers, and service coordinators all emphasized the importance of having equitable and consistent methods across all areas of the state. In particular, providers and families reported that use of Informed Clinical Opinion in the process was not consistently available across counties in Pennsylvania. What does research say about this topic? Quality workforce for EI: Quality in EI services depends to a large extent on the availability of and access to well-trained providers, as well as having sufficient hours of service, make a difference in short- and long-term outcomes. For most participating families, services are delivered by multiple EI professionals and guided by a service coordinator. The effectiveness of services depends
on a coordinated approach and a partnership with families. (US Department of Education, 2021; Guralnick & Bruder, 2019; Kasprzak et al., 2019 https://doi.org/10.1177/0271121419831766; Woodman et al., 2018 https://doi.org/10.1016/j. ecresq.2018.01.007; Dunst, 2015 https://doi. org/10.1097/IYC.0000000000000042; McManus et al., 2014 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-013-1332-8; Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center Part C of IDEA) Service Teams in Part C: Federal law assumes an IFSP team for each child/family served and Part C guidance promotes multi-disciplinary collaboration. The IFSP team meets initially and annually to develop an appropriate plan for services to be delivered under Part C EI. This team includes: the service coordinator, those who conducted evaluations and assessments, those who will provide the EI services to this child, and the parents (and other family members or advocates if requested by parents). (IDEA Part C Section 303.343) In addition to the initial and annual meetings, the quality of Part
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