Early Childhood Transition

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Early childhood transition is the process where an eligible child with a disability moves from receiving early intervention (EI) services under IDEA Part C to receiving preschool services under IDEA Part B, Section 619. This transition process requires timely and effective coordination and collaboration between state lead agencies (LAs) and state education agencies (SEAs).

These agencies help develop and maintain mechanisms that define and support accountability measures used by lead education agencies (LEAs) and EI services programs, providers, or other early childhood programs.

State policies and procedures ensure that children and their families experience a smooth and timely transition from EI services. Transitions should be seamless whether families are moving from one program or system or among services within a program or system. State and local agencies must establish the necessary structures to support the transition process. These structures include clear:

• Policies
• Interagency agreements
• Personnel development processes
• Other coordinated mechanisms

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Key Steps and Activities

These are key steps and activities as children in EI services under Part C transition to preschool special education services under Part B.

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Part C

1. Develop an individualized family service plan (IFSP) with transition steps and services (at least 90 days, and at the discretion of all parties, not more than nine months, prior to the toddler's third birthday.
2. Notify the SEA and the LEA for the area in which a toddler with a disability resides that the toddler may be eligible for Part B preschool services at age 3. This notification should occur at least 90 days prior to the toddler's third birthday, consistent with any state opt-out policy.
3. Conduct a transition conference, with the family's approval, for toddlers potentially eligible for Part B preschool services. The conference must be held at least 90 days, and at the discretion of all parties, not more than nine months, prior to the toddler's third birthday. If the lead agency determines that a toddler is not potentially eligible for Part B preschool services, the lead agency, with the approval of the toddler's family, should make reasonable efforts to convene a conference among the lead agency, the family, and providers of other appropriate services to discuss services that the toddler may receive.

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Part B

These are some of the additional steps and activities in the transition process for toddlers potentially eligible for Part B preschool services. Families must consent to an evaluation to determine eligibility for services under Part B.

4. Conduct a timely evaluation for eligibility determination.
5. Convene a meeting to develop the individualized education program (IEP). The meeting should happen within 30 days of a determination that the child needs special education and related services.
6. Ensure that an IEP is in effect no later than the child's third birthday.
7. Ensure that special education and related services are made available to the child as soon as possible following development of the IEP. Services should be made available in accordance with the plan.

See also:

• 34 CFR §303.209 — Transition to preschool and other programs
• Part C Extension Option
• Practice Improvement Tools: Transition; Monitoring Transition from Part C

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