A periodic review of the IFSP must occur at least once every six months from the date of the initial or annual evaluation of the IFSP or more frequently if conditions warrant or if the family requests such a review. A periodic review may be conducted face-to-face, by telephone, by videoconferencing or other means that is acceptable to the parents and other participants on the IFSP team. The concurrence of the family must be documented. IFSP Team members can submit and review written reports via mail or fax prior to the review date, but should not make any recommendations regarding IFSP outcome changes or service delivery modifications until the team convenes.

There are various reasons that a periodic review may occur more than once in a six month period. More frequent periodic reviews are often scheduled due to a request by the family or other IFSP Team members to discuss modifying the IFSP. Requests for modifications may be based on indicators that outcomes are not being achieved, new outcomes are needed, or outcomes have been met. A periodic review is also needed when a family relocates to a new Local Early Steps service area, the child has new caregivers or has been placed in state custody.