If your child is receiving early intervention services and is approaching their 3rd birthday, a transition will happen from Early Intervention (Part C) to Preschool Special Education services (Part B).
This change is a normal step and helps ensure your child continues to receive support as they grow.
This service is designed for infants, toddlers and their families. Services often happen at your home or in the community. The focus of services is on supporting your child and your family. The service plan is called an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
Preschool aged services are provided by your local school district. These services may happen in preschool, childcare or other learning settings. The focus is on educational goals for your child. The service plan is called called an Indiviual Education Plan (IEP).
Transition is the process of planning for your child's next steps when they are leaving early intervention services. This process helps families:
Understand possible preschool or community options
Decide if their child should be evaluated for preschool special education
Prepare their child and family for a change in services
Transition planning focuses on helping children move smoothly from services for infants & toddlers to services for children ages 3-5.
Transition dicussions typically begin when your child is around 2 years 3 months old.
Planning for your child's transition begins well before your child turns 3. Starting at 2y3m, your team will begin discussing the transition with you.
A transition conference will be scheduled from 2y3m-2y9m. At this meeting, possible preschool special education services and possible placement options will be discussed.
Before your child's 3rd birthday, an evaluation may be needed to determine their eligibility for preschool services. If eligible, a meeting will be scheduled with preschool staff to discuss strengths, needs and service plans.
Every family and child is different. During transition planning, you will learn about several possible options for your child. Your child may:
Qualify for Preschool Special Ed-this may include receiving a variety of provider services while in a smaller preschool setting.
Attend a community preschool setting: this may include HeadStart, preschool at local elementary, school readiness programs or faith-based preschool
Continue learning at home or childcare. Some families choose to stay home with their child, continue in childcare or attend community programs.
Your team will help determine which resources are available to your child.
Families can prepare for transition by:
Visiting preschool programs
Talking with teachers
Practicing routines (snack time, clean-up)
Reading books about preschool
Talking positively about the upcoming change
Ask Questions Early
Ask about preschool program options, transportation, what a typical day looks like and how services support your child's goals.
2. Share what you Know
You are the expert on your child! Share what works well, what challenges you see and your priorities for learning and development.
3. Bring Support
You can invite someone to meetings such as a family member, childcare provider or another professional that knows your child.
4. Review the Evaluation
Ask for results explained in plain language and how the results connect to services and goals.
5. Remember - You are a Part of the Team!
You help make decisions about goals, services and what is best for your child.
Parents have important rights during early intervention & the transition process. You have the right to:
Be Involved-You are an important member of the team! Your ideas, concerns and goals matter.
Give or Refuse Consent-Your written permission is required before: evaluations occur and services begin.
Ask Questions-You can ask for clarification or more information at any time.
Review Records- You have the right to review your child's records and evaluation reports.
Disagree with Decisions- If you disagree with decisions about evaluations or services you have options!
Discussing concerns with the team
Requesting another meeting
Using dispute resolution options
What preschool options are available for my child?
What does a typical preschool day look like?
What support/s might help my child succeed?
How can I prepare my child for this change?
Who should I contact if I have questions later?
Your Early Intervention service providers
Your local school district
Remember, transition planning is designed to help your child continue learning and growing with the support they need!