# How to Use the MEISR During the IFSP Process

The Measure of Engagement, Independence, and Social Relationships (MEISR) has value at many steps in early intervention. Information from the MEISR can be used to assist with answering assessment questions and can provide informational support to families. Use the table below to see how the MEISR can be useful at different points during the individualized family service plan (IFSP) process.

| Process | Questions the MEISR can help answer | How the MEISR can help inform families | What the MEISR does not do |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Intake/Screening | What are some of the child's routines-based skills? | Provides information about child development and routines-based learning. | The MEISR is not a screening tool, and it is not recommended that it be completed in its entirety at intake/screening. |
| Evaluation for Eligibility | What are the child's routines-based skills within the 5 developmental domains? | Provides information about child development and routines-based learning. | The MEISR does not yield age-equivalency or standard scores that might be needed for eligibility determination. |
| Routines-Based Interview (RBI) | What are the child's functional skills within common family routines? | Prepares the family for the type of information that will be gathered during the RBI. | The MEISR is not a protocol for the RBI. |
| IFSP Development | What are the child's routines-based strengths and needs? | Helps family identify priorities for intervention. | The MEISR does not identify family-level outcomes. |
| Ongoing Intervention | What is the child doing/not doing? | Helps inform family of functional skills. | The MEISR is not intended as a strict curriculum. |
| Progress Monitoring | How is the child progressing in terms of routines-based skills? | Helps family see the child's routines-based progress. | The MEISR does not inform progress in routines not included in the MEISR (e.g., classroom routines). |
| Program Accountability (Child Outcomes Summary [COS] Rating) | What is the mix of functional skills a child demonstrates by each of the 3 child outcomes? | Helps family see the child's skills in relation to the 3 outcomes. | The MEISR does not generate a COS rating. |

MEISR™ is a trademark of Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co., Inc. Adapted from Measure of Engagement, Independence, and Social Relationships (MEISR™) Manual, Research Edition by R. A. McWilliam, Ph.D. & Naomi O. Younggren, Ph.D. ' 2019 Brookes Publishing Co.