Transition Procedures in Early Childhood Education

The purpose and scope of the transition process is to ensure a smooth and compliant transition for families and children moving from Part C of IDEA to Part B early childhood programs or other community-based programs.

All families enrolled in early intervention programs require transition planning. These plans are documented within the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and outline activities for transition, including timelines to achieve them.

Families can remain enrolled in early intervention services until their child no longer needs services, reaches age 3, or chooses Early Intervention Services (EIS) over 3.

If a family chooses EIS over 3, their child may be eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for preschool. The child can start preschool under an IEP at the beginning of the school year or later if considered a late referral.

Lead Education Agencies (LEAs) play a critical role in transition planning. They are responsible for providing Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to children at age 3 or for late referrals.

Consents are required for various aspects of the transition process, including the sharing of information, evaluations, and the development of the IEP.

Transition conferences are held by LEAs to involve families in the transition process and ensure a smooth transition for their children.

The Service Coordinator or Personalized Support Provider (PSP) plays an important role at the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meeting, supporting families and ensuring their needs are met during the transition.

A form that grants permission for schools to be involved in a child's transition plan from Birth to Three services to early childhood special education.

The process of moving a child from Birth to Three services to early childhood special education.

A system used to track and manage information about children receiving Birth to Three services. It includes data about children's needs, services provided, and transition plans.

A service coordinator is a person assigned to help families navigate Birth to Three services and support them during the transition process. They work closely with the family and are the main point of communication.

The process of sending specific information about a child to school districts, allowing them to be prepared when a child transitions from Birth to Three services to early childhood special education.

The local education agency (LEA) is the school district responsible for providing services to eligible children. It is involved in transition planning to ensure continuity of support during the transition process.

A legal guardian or person authorized to make decisions for a child, often involved in transition planning and ensuring the child's needs are met.

The time period between 2.5 years old and 3 years old when a child is evaluated for potential eligibility for early childhood special education and transition plans are made.

A formal meeting to discuss a child's transition from early intervention services to preschool or kindergarten.

The legal document that outlines a child's individual needs and goals in early intervention services.

The legal document that outlines a child's individual needs and goals in special education.

A group of professionals and the family who are involved in a child's special education services.

A professional who supports families in navigating the special education system.

A period of time when children entering the early intervention system close to their third birthday are assessed for eligibility and have an IFSP developed.

A legal requirement that school districts assess a child's eligibility for special education services.

The McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children experiencing homelessness have access to school enrollment.

Document used to release information about a child's Birth to Three services to the LEA, including data from previous forms like Authorization to Obtain and additional information beyond the initial 3-8 release documents.

A requirement for LEAs to notify families about children who are over 2.5 years old and have not signed a release form for information (Form 3-3) or given approval for the LEA to receive their child's Birth to Three records (Form 3-8).

A requirement for LEAs to notify families about children who have signed a release form (Form 3-3) allowing the release of information to the LEA, but have not provided approval for the LEA to access their child's Birth to Three records via Form 3-8.

A form that allows children who are already receiving Birth to Three services to continue receiving them beyond the age of three, under certain circumstances, such as delayed eligibility determination or late referral.

The process of transferring a child's care from Birth to Three to the LEA's jurisdiction, including the LEA providing written notification of the transition meeting, the Connecticut Birth to Three Parent's Rights Brochure, and Form 5-5 if the child is continuing with Birth to Three services after age 3.

The release of directory information, specifically name, date of birth, parent information, service coordinator information, town of residence, living situation, and language spoken.

A form used to register children who are not eligible for Part B services, but may need developmental monitoring. It helps families access developmental screening services provided by the LEA.

Active Birth to Three participants who turn three on or after May 1st but before the start of the school year can continue receiving services until preschool special education begins if they meet certain criteria.

The responsibility of school districts to assess a child's needs, determine eligibility for special education services, and develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for students with disabilities.

A document that explains a child's eligibility for Part B services and outlines the school district's decision-making process.

The option for families to continue receiving support from Birth to Three even after their child turns three years old.

Services offered by Birth to Three that extend outside of regular program hours, such as summer programs.

These services include individualized family services (IFSP) designed for infants and toddlers with developmental delays.

The legal document that outlines the educational goals, services, and supports for a student with disabilities.

Families no longer eligible for Part C services after a child's third birthday are exited from the program. Families not actively participating in Birth to Three programs may also be exited.