As your child approaches three years old you will be preparing to leave an early intervention program and transition to a preschool program. This transition is a time that can be very exciting – knowing that your child is growing and changing and that you have helped him or her get off to a good start by participating in an Early Start program. It can also be stressful for you and your family as you leave the familiar service providers who may have become a part of your family by coming into your home, sometimes since your child’s birth. It will help to relieve your stress if you understand how the process works and the differences between infant and preschool programs.

When your child is about 30 months of age your service coordinator will notify you and your school district that transition planning is beginning. By 33 months of age you, your service coordinator and someone from the school district will hold a meeting to plan the transition. This is your opportunity to share your child’s abilities and strengths and to voice your concerns and expectations about his or her current and future educational needs.

By the age of 36 months the law requires that an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meeting be held to determine if your child qualifies for special education services and if so, develop long range (1 year) and short range (3-6 months) goals in the areas where your child has identified needs.

Unlike infant programs that are based on developmental and therapeutic goals and are delivered in the home, preschool programs are based on an educational model. Children generally go to a classroom and instruction is primarily in groups. There will be less emphasis on individual, intensive therapy and skill development than in the infant program. Designated Instructional Services (DIS) may also be provided to your child as determined by the IEP team and may include deaf and hard of hearing services, speech/language therapy, counseling services, transportation, vision and orientation/mobility services, occupational/physical therapy services and extended school year (summer school). They may be provided in addition to a preschool program. You may, however choose to have your child participate only in DIS programs.

There are several options for preschool programs. Some of these programs have income requirements and, in the case of private preschools, your child may have to be transported to a public school site in order to receive special education services. You should discuss what services your child needs and what options are available with your service coordinator and the school district (LEA) representative – you should be able to visit any placement program(s) recommended before you agree that your child will attend.

Finally, remember that no IEP goals are “written in stone”. If, after a few weeks you think that your child’s program(s) and/or services need to be revised, you may call an IEP meeting and discuss any changes that are needed with the team.

If you have questions about the transition process or the IEP process, please contact your service coordinator, the LEA representative or WarmLine Family Resource Center.