(a) The IFSP team, which includes the service coordinator, must conduct a comprehensive needs assessment initially and annually as part of the IFSP process. The comprehensive needs assessment must identify and document:
  (1) the needs of the child in each developmental area as listed in 34 CFR 303.21(a)(1), including those identified through the evaluation and observation;
  (2) the family's concerns regarding their child's development and the supports and services necessary to enhance the family's capacity to meet the developmental needs of their child;
  (3) the functional abilities and unique strengths of the child; and
  (4) the family's description of their resources, concerns, and priorities related to enhancing the child's development.
(b) The assessment of the child must include:
  (1) a review of the results of the child's evaluation;
  (2) personal observations of the child; and
  (3) the identification of the child's needs in each of the developmental areas listed in 34 CFR §303.21(a)(1).
(c) The contractor must offer to conduct a family-directed assessment and comply with requirements in 34 CFR §303.321(c) (relating to Procedures for assessment of the child and family) to identify the family's resources, priorities, and concerns and the supports and services necessary to enhance the family's capacity to meet the developmental needs of the child. The family-directed assessment must:
  (1) be voluntary on the part of each family member participating in the assessment; and
  (2) be based on information obtained through the assessment tool and also through an interview with those family members participating in the assessment.
(d) Providers must assess and document the child's progress and needs of the family on an ongoing basis.

Source Note: The provisions of this §350.837 adopted to be effective March 7, 2015, 40 TexReg 939; amended to be effective June 30, 2019, 44 TexReg 3280; transferred effective March 1, 2021, as published in the Texas Register February 5, 2021, 46 TexReg 941