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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

Transition from IDEA Part C to Part B, Section 619 During COVID-19

Updated August 19, 2020, 10:39 AM

Children served in Part C who may be eligible for services in Part B, 619 should experience smooth transitions. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the seamlessness of this process for children and families remains the same. Early intervention programs and school districts should continue to provide IDEA services consistent with the need to protect the health and safety of children and families. Although all services may not be provided as they have been typically, all transition processes and timelines under IDEA are still required.

Part C and Part B, 619 programs should develop state and local program guidance collaboratively. Program guidance should clearly document details including dates of the pandemic's impact on program openings, reasons for any delay, and family preferences.

  • Does the state/local program have written guidance on IDEA timelines during COVID-19?
  • What communication opportunities are available for:
    • Families?
    • Part C programs?
    • Part B, 619 programs/schools?
    • Community programs such as Early Head Start, Head Start and State Pre-K?

The Part C lead agency is required to notify the SEA and LEA of residence, if the toddler may be eligible for preschool services under Part B. The notification must occur not fewer than 90 days before the toddler's third birthday.

  • Have Part C and Part B, 619 policies, procedures and guidance been modified collaboratively to ensure that notification of potentially eligible children for Part B continue to occur during COVID-19?
  • Have adjustments to data collection processes and data sharing protocols been necessary to ensure data on SEA and LEA notifications during COVID-19 continue to be collected and analyzed by both Part C and Part B, 619?
  • Has guidance been established to ensure that all transition requirements are conducted effectively and timely?

A transition plan must be developed in the IFSP not fewer than 90 days or earlier than nine months prior to the child's third birthday. The transition plan is designed to review the program options for the toddler with a disability from the child's third birthday through the remainder of the school year. It includes steps to exit from Part C and any transition services needed by the child and family.

  • Have communication protocols (e.g. written materials, virtual "meetings") been established to ensure local Part C program staff help prepare the family for the transition conference?
  • Have policies, procedures and guidance been modified to address:
    • Continued communication and coordination between the local Part C program and LEA, and community partners in planning future program options during COVID-19?
    • The potential need to adapt the transition plan steps and services to exit the Part C program considering the restrictions necessary under COVID-19?
    • Information on how the child will receive services from the LEA, if determined eligible, currently and in the fall?
    • Processes for how information will be communicated with families?

See also: Transition from Part C to Part B, Section 619 Services: Review of Existing Documentation for Children

The transition conference may be held not fewer than 90 days and not more than nine months before the child's third birthday. It may be held remotely over the phone and via web platforms.

  • Does the state/local program have guidance regarding transition conferences during the pandemic for:
    • Families?
    • Part C programs?
    • Part B, 619 programs/schools?
  • Does state/local guidance for conducting transition conferences during the pandemic include information on:
    • Continuing to provide timely transition conferences virtually?
    • Clarifying the need for ongoing coordination between Part C and Part B, 619 to conduct timely transition conferences, that include obtaining parental consent to share information and documents at the transition conference?
    • Assigning a specific Part B, 619 contact for the family?
    • Obtaining the family's preferred communication method and frequency of communication?
    • Discussing family concerns due to COVID-19 and their preferences on how and when to move forward with a Part B evaluation and possible services?
    • Developing a plan with the family to conduct the evaluation to determine Part B, 619 eligibility?

Part B continues to be responsible for IDEA requirements and timelines for children who are transitioning from Part C.

See also: Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Delivery of IDEA Early Childhood Services During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic

  • Does the state/local program have information on:
    • How extended school year (ESY) services are determined and provided during COVID-19?
    • What early childhood programs/services may look like in the fall?
    • How to communicate with families about plans for school services in the fall?
    • How to discuss family concerns about COVID-19 and their preferences on how and when to begin services?
    • How to document family discussions and the impact of COVID-19?