The coordinator acts as a liaison between families and services available. After identifying the needs of the child and his/her family, the coordinator finds and presents options available in meeting those needs (in both the school and community). This role is used most often in programs which utilize an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Below are several questions that family services coordinators have answered to help you understand their role in an inclusive program. Click on the link after the question to read the responses.

Sharon, please tell us:

. . . what is your educational background? "I have a... "

. . . what other experiences, or staff development has prepared you for inclusion? "Numerous inservice programs... "

. . . what is your job role? "Teacher in home-based... "

. . . what is your role regarding the inclusive component of the program? "Special education teacher working... "

. . . how has your role changed or have you adapted your role as it related to the inclusive program? " My role has... "

. . . what were your biggest concerns about participating in an inclusive program? "Possibly that working with... "

. . . what were your experiences related to these concerns once inclusive services were implemented? "All children benefited... "

. . . what do you see as the benefits of moving toward inclusive services? "The special needs children... "

. . . can you offer one or more anecdotes that you feel illustrate the benefits of inclusion? "I worked in a homebased"