Step 1.1 Select the target behavior or skill

Select and describe the target behavior or target skill.

Beginning with the IFSP, the EI team discusses with the parent the strengths and challenges of the toddler in meeting a priority outcome and then describes the target skill. The IFSP outcome should be observable and measurable in order to be able to clearly describe the expected skill that the toddler will learn and how to determine when the toddler has mastered the skill.

EXAMPLE

Parents discuss with the providers that their toddler, Charlie, has few if any means of communicating his wants and needs. He uses unconventional ways to communicate what he wants such as going to the kitchen, standing in front of the refrigerator, and crying.The IFSP team initially writes the outcome in the following manner:

"Charlie will communicate his wants and needs by using another form of communication instead of crying."

 Consider: Is the selected target skill or behavior described in observable and measurable terms? 

The IFSP team initially had written Charlie's outcome in the following manner.

Initial outcome:

 
Charlie will communicate his wants and needs by using another form of communication instead of crying.
 

While this outcome describes the hopes and wishes of the parents, it is not written in an observable and measurable way.

The target skill is described as “communicate” by “not crying”. The activities and routines are not specified. This IFSP outcome can be re-written so that it is observable and measurable. To do this, the team will need to clearly describe the context (WHEN), the target skill the toddler will perform (WHAT) and how will we know Charlie has mastered this skill (HOW). 

Re-written outcome:

When given a choice of two preferred items or objects such as his favorite foods at meals or snacks or favorite toys when playing on the floor, Charlie will request the object he wants by reaching for or pointing to the object, 8 out of 10 opportunities for 4 out of 5 days.
 

The new outcome describes routines or activities with target skills that are observable and can be measured.