OSEP Resources on Transition
On This Page
OSEP Guidance
- 2023 Early Childhood Transition Questions and Answers (2023)
- Guidance on Creating an Effective Memorandum of Understanding to Support High-Quality Inclusive Early Childhood Systems (2022) provides an overview of factors to consider when creating memoranda of understanding (MOUs). While this document focuses on IDEA and Head Start programs, States might consider whether MOUs with the relevant early care and education partners are helpful to provide seamless services to young children with disabilities and their families.
- Chart of Federal IDEA Part C and Part B Transition Requirements for Late Referrals to IDEA Part C (2024)
- Federal IDEA Part C and Part B Transition Requirements for Late Referrals to IDEA Part C (2018)
- OSEP Transition Checklist for Reviewing Transition Documents under Section II.A.10 of the IDEA Part C Grant Application (2012)
- Part C to Part B Early Childhood Transition Timeline for SPP/APR Indicators C-8A, 8B, 8C, B-11 and B-12 (2012)
OSEP Policy Letters
- Letter to Nix on Early Childhood Transition Requirements (2023)
- Letter to NASDSE and ITCA on Transition FAQ and Related Resources (2011)
- Letter to Hirsh on Evaluations (2005)
Training Modules
Building the Legacy Training Curriculum on IDEA 2004 (2015)
developed by NICHCY at the request of OSEP, and are maintained by the Center for Parent Information and Resources. The following three modules are particularly relevant to transition:
- The Basics of Early Intervention
- The Transition Process and Lead Agency Notification
- Development of the Transition Plan
Transition Processes: Tools and Needs Assessments
Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition Processes (2008)
Developed for TA organizations to support strategic planning efforts with states, this framework is a tool for states to analyze their transition system infrastructure and systematically identify improvement strategies to improve local implementation of the transition requirements of the IDEA as well as support effective local infrastructures for effective transition practices.
- Overview of Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition Processes
- Component I: Content and Scope (see page 11)
- Component II: Interagency Structure (see page 15)
- Component III: Interagency Communication and Relationships (see page 19)
- Component IV: Interagency Agreements (see page 22)
- Component V: Policy Alignment and Congruence (see page 27)
- Component VI: Personnel Development, Staff Training and Resources (see page 31)
- Component VII: Data Systems and Processes (see page 38)
- Component VIII: Monitoring and Evaluation (see page 43)
Additionally, a series of companion documents for this item are available:
- Early Childhood Transition Worksheet: This worksheet lists the IDEA transition requirements and key infrastructure components in chart format. It can be used as a planning tool and discussion guide for identifying factors contributing to non-compliance and effective practices.
- Self-Assessment for an Early Childhood Transition Infrastructure: This tool can be used by state or local interagency teams to assess their current practices and identify improvement activities to enhance the infrastructure necessary to support successful transitions.
- Early Childhood Transition Self-Assessment Form: This 2010 self-assessment organizes evidence statements around the processes of interagency policies and practices, personnel development and training, roles and responsibilities, and strategies and practices.