As we enter IEP season, summarizing a year’s worth of data from multiple sources for each child’s present level of performance can feel daunting. It does, however, offer a key opportunity to utilize the Child Outcome Summary (COS) process as an efficient method of organizing and reviewing data on child progress.
While COS forms are only completed at program entry and exit, it’s important to revisit each child’s form annually to note their progress and prioritize needs based on outcome areas. Doing so can also help to:
- Prompt the IEP team to collect data from multiple sources and summarize results onto the same scale.
- Maintain a focus on the “whole child” and their active and successful participation across a variety of settings.
- Prompt the IEP team to revisit the developmental trajectory of the child in relation to their same age peers and plan instruction accordingly.
- Keep the “big picture” in mind about where the child needs to be upon exiting the program.
Download the Early Childhood Outcomes IEP Worksheet to organize individual student data and prioritize needs for IEP development.
Additional Resources
Guiding questions for completing each outcome area
Instructions for completing the COS form
Child Outcomes Summary Process: Procedures Specific to Virginia
