This clinically and culturally sensitive tool helps family service providers evaluate strengths and vulnerabilities of young children and their families. With an Instrument and a Manual, the field-tested and flexible ITFI offers a clear, step-by-step way to question caregivers about their child's characteristics, activities, health, development, and family life -- all in language that feels natural and comfortable! ITFI components include

Infant-Toddler and Family Instrument
-- Caregiver Interview. This interview with the child's parent or primary caregiver covers three major areas: Home and Family Life, Child Health and Safety, and Family Issues and Concerns. Direct, open-ended questions help professionals gather crucial information in a sensitive way.
-- Developmental Map. Professionals engage the child in specific behaviors divided into four categories of development: gross and fine motor, social and emotional, language, and coping and self-help. Using the Developmental Map, which covers nine different age intervals, they then compare the child's behavior during the assessment with behavior that is typical within the child's age interval.
-- Checklist for Evaluating Concern. After family visits are complete, professionals complete this checklist, divided into three sections: Home and Family Environment; Child Health, Development, and Safety; and Stressors in the Child's Life. Professionals check yes, unsure, or of concern, then complete a summary sheet to rate their concern on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high).
-- Plan for the Child and Family. Here, professionals develop a plan of action with the child's family, reviewing the results of the first three parts of ITFI;possibly recommending referrals, consultations, or home visits; and showing caregivers how they can use community resources.

Manual for the Infant-Toddler and Family Instrument (ITFI)
-- In the Manual, professionals will find detailed instructions on how to prepare for and complete each part of ITFI, tips on handling sensitive issues, guidelines to determine any need for further referrals, case studies that demonstrate how to use ITFI, and an appendix that details the field testing of ITFI. With these step-by-step instructions and suggestions, professionals will be able to administer ITFI accurately and ensure a positive experience for themselves, the caregiver, and the child.

ITFI components include
Infant-Toddler and Family Instrument
- Caregiver Interview. This interview with the child's parent or primary caregiver covers three major areas: Home and Family Life, Child Health and Safety, and Family Issues and Concerns. Direct, open-ended questions help professionals gather crucial information in a sensitive way.
- Developmental Map. A professional engages the child in specific behaviors divided into four categories of development: gross and fine motor, social and emotional, language, and coping and self-help. Using the Developmental Map, which covers nine different age intervals, the professional then compares the child's behavior during the assessment with behavior that is typical within the child's age interval.
- Checklist for Evaluating Concern. After family visits are complete, the professional completes this checklist, divided into three sections: Home and Family Environment; Child Health, Development, and Safety; and Stressors in the Child's Life. The professional checks yes, unsure, or of concern, then complete a summary sheet to rate their concern on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high).
- Plan for the Child and Family. Here, the professional develops a plan of action with the child's family, reviewing the results of the first three parts of ITFI; possibly recommending referrals, consultations, or home visits; and showing caregivers how they can use community resources.