How to Write a Person-Centered Plan That Reflects Your Child’s True Potential

When you’re raising a child with developmental disabilities or complex needs, it’s easy to feel like your family’s path is being charted for you by schools, support agencies, or the system at large. But person-centered planning (PCP) flips that script. It puts your child, not their diagnosis, at the center of the conversation. It’s about who they are, what they love, and what they can do with the right support. 

This guide will help you understand the person-centered planning process, what goes into a strong plan, and how to prepare to create one that truly reflects your child’s strengths, preferences, and goals. We’ve also included person-centered planning templates and guiding questions to help you start drafting with confidence.

What is the Person-Centered Planning Process

Person-centered planning (PCP) is a collaborative, strengths-based approach to developing a personalized vision and roadmap for an individual’s life, particularly for those with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). It prioritizes their preferences, abilities, dreams, and values.

The process typically involves a team of people who know and care about the individual—family members, friends, educators, service providers, and the person themselves—coming together to identify:

• What’s important to the individual (what brings them joy, comfort, motivation)
• What’s important for them (health, safety, necessary supports)
• Their short- and long-term goals
• The supports, services, and steps needed to reach those goals

PCP is often used in transition planning (from high school to adulthood) and in creating Individual Service Plans (ISPs) or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). But it’s more than a compliance document; it’s a living, evolving plan that should grow with your child.

What’s Included in a Person-Centered Plan?

Each person-centered plan will vary depending on your child’s age, needs, and the setting in which it’s used (e.g., school, transition programs, or the Self-Determination Program). However, most plans include these key sections:

• Profile of the Individual: Name, age, diagnosis (if relevant), and living situation. A description of the child’s personality, communication style, and unique traits may also be included. 

• What’s Important to and for the Individual: Hobbies, passions, routines, relationships, and goals, along with supports needed for health, safety, and overall well-being.

• Strengths and Capabilities: What your child does well, plus skills that can be built on for future goals.

• Vision for the Future: Short- and long-term aspirations, such as employment, education, living independently, or social inclusion.

• Goals and Action Steps: Specific, measurable goals with timelines as well as assigned team members or services to help meet each goal.

• Support Strategies: Tools, accommodations, and assistive technology, along with communication support or behavioral strategies.

• Team Members and Roles: Who is part of the plan, and what are their responsibilities?

Person-Centered Plan Templates and Guiding Questions

Starting a plan from scratch can be overwhelming. Here are a few person-centered planning templates and prompts to help structure your thinking.

Sample Person-Centered Plan Template

You can format your plan as a Word document, Google Doc, or use a state or agency form. A basic structure might include:

A One-Page Profile: Snapshot of your child’s strengths, what matters to them, and how best to support them

Goals Worksheet: A list of goals, with specific steps, timelines, and responsible parties

Support Plan: What tools or services are needed for each goal

Team Contact List: Who’s involved and how to reach them

Guiding Questions to Start Writing

Here are some questions to consider when you start drafting a PCP:

• What makes your child smile?
• What does a good day look like for them?
• Who do they enjoy spending time with?
• What are their hopes for the future?
• What does independence look like for your child?
• What environments help them thrive—and which ones cause stress?
• What kind of work, school, or community activities might they enjoy?
• How does your child prefer to communicate?
• What support do they need to feel safe and included?

Find the Support You Deserve During Person-Centered Planning

The best person-centered planning isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about honoring your child’s voice and vision. When done right, a person-centered plan becomes a tool for advocacy, empowerment, and progress.

Whether you’re preparing for a school IEP, transition planning, or a state service meeting, you don’t have to start from scratch. Use the person-centered planning templates and guiding questions here to create a plan that reflects who your child is and who they’re becoming. 

Want more help? NeuroNav specializes in helping families build customized roadmaps for their child’s success. Our team of independent facilitators can help you write a person-centered plan, identify supports, and prepare for transition milestones. Schedule your free consultation today to take the next step on your road to self-determination.