| 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 the WarmLine Family Resource Center.
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