For children who may be eligible for these preschool services, the lead agency must convene a conference with the parents and the school district at least 90 days (or up to 6 months) prior to the child’s 3rd birthday, to discuss potential preschool special education services.  [34 C.F.R. Secs. 303.209(c)(1); Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(b); 17 C.C.R. Sec. 52112(a).]

Six months before the child’s third birthday, the service coordinator must:

1. Notify the parent of a child who may be eligible for special education preschool services that transition planning will occur within the next 3 to 6 months; and
2. Notify the local school district that there will be an IFSP meeting at least three months before the child turns three. Everyone must agree on a date for this meeting at least 30 days after the service coordinator’s notice.

For children who may not be eligible for special education, a transition plan must still be developed by the lead agency, the family and relevant service providers. This plan must assure a smooth transition from Part C to other appropriate services for which the child is eligible. The federal law provides that families are included in transition planning.

What happens at the transition planning meeting?

Federal law requires that the parent, school district and regional center (if the district is not the lead agency) discuss possible preschool special education services, as well as the transition steps, including:

1. Future placements and parent regarding these placements;
2. Procedures to prepare the child for changes in service delivery and adjustments to new settings; and
3. Transmission of information and records to the school district.

In addition, state law requires that:

1. Parents are provided information about community resources;
2. Information about the child is sent to the school district, including IFSPs (with the parent’s consent), and any necessary assessments by the district and regional center to determine eligibility and the timelines for completing assessments;
3. A projected date for conducting a final review of the IFSP is determined;
4. Steps are taken to ensure that the referral to the district is received in enough time so that assessments are completed, and an IEP implemented, by the child’s third birthday;
5. Referral to the district occurs no later than the time a child reaches age 2 years, 9 months, or before the district’s break in services if the child will turn 3 during that break; and,
6. The people responsible for convening an IEP and final IFSP meeting are identified.

To avoid gaps in services and delays in developing and implementing an IEP, parents should know and keep track of the steps leading up to the transition so that the necessary steps are taken in a timely fashion.

What is the school district’s responsibility to participate in the transition from early intervention to preschool special education services?

If the local school district is the lead agency, it must also ensure that the child experiences a smooth and effective transition to preschool programs. It must ensure that an IEP has been developed and is being implemented by the time of the child’s third birthday.

If a child turns three during the summer months, the IEP team must determine the date when IEP services will begin. The district must participate in transition planning conferences arranged by the regional center.