Steps in the Process: Transition

Your child may experience many transitions or changes from programs and services, before turning three. You may move from one county to another, your child may experience an extended hospital stay, or begin attending a local child-care program. The IFSP transition plan describes the steps to be taken to support your child and family through these transitions. Talking with other parents may help you to anticipate issues and to make decisions through different transitions.

Your child, upon turning three years of age, may be eligible for special education services such as speech and language therapy or other early childhood exceptional educational needs services. Before your child's third birthday, you and the early intervention professionals will be discussing whether or not a referral to your local school district would be appropriate. If it is decided that a referral should be made, the Birth to 3 Program, with your permission, will organize a transition planning conference with your local school district at least 90 days before your child turns three. At this meeting you, early intervention professionals and school personnel will develop a transition plan addressing the steps that will be taken to make the change as easy as possible, the roles of the agencies and the services provided during and after your child's transition.

Whatever changes in services and programs you and your child experience, planning and thoughtful preparation make most transitions smooth and successful.

Summary of Steps