High Quality Outcomes

Participation Activity

Purpose: provide learners with examples and opportunities to practice and improve techniques when writing high quality outcomes.

Instructions: Divide the group into smaller groups and have them look at the looks like doesn’t look like handout in their packets. Have them discuss what is problematic about the first example and how the outcome has been improved in the second example. Then using the sample outcomes format have them develop some HQ outcomes based on Mindy and her family. * Remind participants that they should be writing these outcomes based on the 6 criteria outlined on slide 11* Note can also be done in supervision

Discussion: Many providers consider developing outcomes as one of the most challenging portions of writing the IFSP. It is often difficult to create an outcome that is positive, jargon-free, functional, measurable, and important to the family. Using this sample format may assist you as you increase your skill in outcome development.

Possible outcomes: If needed

- Mindy will crawl across the floor at McDonald’s play land to play with her brother or other children during the family’s weekly lunch visits

- Mindy will play in the church nursery during the Sunday morning service

Wrap up: As you can see from Mindy’s example, in order to develop outcomes like this, you must use the information that you learn through the functional assessment process. The outcome should be based on the family’s priorities and address the child’s current skills, degree of participation in activities and routines, and his or her behaviors across settings. This can only be done through diligent information gathering through functional assessment throughout the IFSP process.

Questions for group:

-  What did you like about using this format?

-  What did you not like?

-  What are some challenges we face when writing outcomes with families (based on answers have them think about the use of functional assessment to gather information)

-  Did we have a variety of different types of outcomes for Mindy?

-  If no… What are some other possible outcomes?

-  Is there more information we need from Mindy’s family? What?

-  Were our outcomes different from the examples?

*Could also then have them rate the outcomes they developed as part of the placemat activity*

Sample Outcomes Format:

______will ______

who? Do what?

______

How well/How often?

______

Condition required for outcome to be met?

Early Intervention Training Center Massachusetts Department of Public Health

FY17