ely, many parents are unfamiliar with deafness. The possible disappointment and the overwhelming task of learning about and making decisions regarding their deaf child can take its toll on the parent (Henwood 1994). One important thing to remember about deaf children is that they are still children. They, like all children, need all of these things and more to develop a healthy sense of self.IFSP's and IEP'sIFSP stands for Individual Family Service Plan. The IFSP is a family centered, legal document. This is a plan for services that may be provided to children identified with special needs, including deafness, from birth to age three. This plan focuses on what services a family needs for themselves and their deaf child. Services may include home visits, services from a center-based program, sign classes for parents and caregivers, services from a Teacher of the Deaf, Speech Pathologists, Audiologists, Psychologists, and other Health Professionals, as needed (Kluwin 1992). When the child reaches the age of two years, six months, until the child is three years old, the IFSP includes a Transition Plan. The purpose of the transition plan is to examine preschool educational options for the child (Crocket 1999).IEP stands for Individual Education Plan. Children from age three (3) to twenty-two (22) have an IEP written and reviewed annually. The IEP is a child centered, legal document regarding the educational needs of the child. Services that may be considered for the child include: placement options, additional resource services (speech/language therapy, adaptive physical education, educational interpreters, audiological services, etc.) (Kluwin 1992). Every year, the IEP team meets and reviews the progress over the past year, sets new educational goals and discusses any other relevant issues related to the child's education. Educational Placement Options for Deaf ChildrenThere are many options that a parent has the right to choo...
