1. Maryland’s Online IFSP Database
Presented by
Pam Miller, Ed.D., Quality Assurance Specialist
Brian Morrison, Ph.D., Part C Coordinator
2014 Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference
September 9, 2014

2. Database History Prior to 1995 – Hand collection
– Designed in FoxPro
Online IFSP
2010 to present – Online IFSP current version
Designed in FoxPro
Quarterly Data Collections locals sent data collection in via floppy disks
Updating Database required sending floppy disks or CDs to local to install. Sometime Data Manager had travel to do installs.
2003-current
Online, real time data entry and reporting.
Accessable from an Internet connected device.
Pros:
One central update for entire database.
Data entry can take place on any internet connected deice.
Offline Java App to “check out” records on Laptop s that are not connected to Internet while on home visits. Enter record is available to be update while in child’s home. Once user has Internet access, the record is “checked in” to the online database.
Cons:
Larger jurisdictions data entry can be delayed 6-8 weeks.
Must take database offline to run federal reports. No local data entry or reporting can take place during this time. Since the database is “Live” the first report total could be different from the last report so, the database must be taken offline.
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

3. Stakeholder Input & Updates
Quarterly IFSP User’s Group Meetings
“Provide Feedback” Link
Scheduled Semi-Annual Updates
Maintenance as Needed
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

4. Current Online Database Capabilities
Accessible Online
Real Time System
Database Structure
Maryland’s Online IFSP is a secure web-based application that serves as the primary case management tool for service coordinators and providers working with children Birth -Kindergarten and their families who receive early intervention services under Part C of IDEA (including those participating in the Extended IFSP Option). The main user function performed by the Online IFSP is the development and monitoring of individualized intervention plans for young children with disabilities and their families. In addition to guiding users through the IFSP development process, the Online IFSP also allows users to create and monitor referral and team meeting information. Providers can generate individual progress monitoring reports for the children and families with whom they work.
Local and state leaders can utilize the data analysis functions of the Online IFSP to generate a variety of predefined and dynamic reports to assist programmatic decision-making. The Dynamic reports feature allows users to generate customized reports for their own individual or jurisdiction’s needs by selecting from almost any field/variable in the database to customize an analysis.
Need Help? Online Resources
Blank Forms, User’s Manual, & IFSP Directions
Links to Training Sites (e.g., ELO & COS Tutorial)
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

5. IFSP Navigation
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

6. Current Online Database Capabilities
Predefined & Dynamic Reporting
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

7. Current Online Database Capabilities
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

8. Online Database Help and Resources
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

9. MD ONLINE IFSP: Strengths And Challenges From The Field
Real-time management tool
Overall raised the bar for higher quality
Can go/take anywhere/convenience
Easier to train new people
Easier to collaborate across agencies
Referrals can be entered “live”
Easier to complete reports and review data
Audits to promote data fidelity
Data accuracy/interpretation
Continuous training
More hardware is necessary with frequent updates
Document itself could be more user-friendly
Not fully online (signatures)
Speed is frequently a problem
Increased printing costs
Offline solution – must update when changes are made
Difficult for staff who are not “techie”
Multiple people can work on the IFSP of the same child…
Referral taken at health fair – can schedule evaluation immediately – a big issue where tend to lose track of families in Baltimore City
Do have to take the system “offline” to run federal reports…
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

10. Lessons Learned Internet Access Local Pushback Outcomes Wizard
COS Integration
Additional Training on Data Informed Decision-Making
Outcomes Wizard
The Online IFSP also includes an interactive Outcomes Wizard that assists early intervention teams in moving smoothly and effectively through the development of appropriate outcomes for children.  The Wizard provides step-by-step support for each stage of IFSP functional outcome development, including an easily accessible review of a child’s present levels of development, a child’s strengths and needs, a family’s concerns, priorities, and resources and a family’s daily routines in natural environments.
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference

11. Next Steps – Moving MD Forward
MSDE: Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services - September 9, Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference