Emerging Issues from State Level Evaluations of Early Intervention Programs

This article synthesizes discussions that occurred among a consortium of professionals who were responsible for the evaluations of Part H (now Part C) programs in various states. The consortium was part of the Federal Interagency Coordinating Council's Subcommittee on Service Integration and Continuity of Services. This paper highlights issues emerging from state level evaluations in the context of 6 different areas: measures, outcomes, service integration, eligibility, funding models, and cost effectiveness. Part C originally was conceived to provide additional services to children and families who qualified under state definitions and to assist in system reform efforts through service integration strategies. The consortium addressed these purposes within the context of evaluation plans and data collected by states conducting state level evaluations. This paper synthesizes the consortium deliberations and suggests issues that need to be addressed in the evaluation planning process.