Supporting Early Childhood Transition

Helping Families and Children at a Critical Time

What is meant by “transition” and why is it important to

children, families and practitioners?

Key Elements for Transition Planning

• Overview of Transition Planning• Notification to LEA - Level 1 and Level 2• Development of IFSP Transition Plan• Transition Conference • Referral to Part B Preschool Special Education

Services• Evaluation and Eligibility for Part B • IEP Development• Provision of Services

Meet the Jones Family

Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention Services

• Home and Community settings• Primary Provider supported by a

multidisciplinary team• “Coaching style” of interaction• Service Coordination• Flexible scheduling to accommodate

family/child’s needs

2nd Birthday Planning

2nd Birthday - Planning

• Begin conversation about leaving Infant Toddler services at age 3

• Explore family’s ideas, hopes, and concerns for post Infant Toddler Program

• Explore potential community options/ resources

• Discuss new skills, activities, etc. to support or prepare child/family for changes

2nd Birthday IFSP Meeting

2nd Birthday IFSP Meeting

• IFSP includes plan to support transition to preschool or other community options

• Share steps and required timelines with parents

• Plan for activities to prepare child/family for new setting

• If appropriate, obtain consent to share information

Notifications to LEA

Notifications to LEA• Two Different Notifications• Notification #1 = ALL Children served over 2.6• Part C shares:

– Child and Parent’s Name and Contact Information – Child’s DOB – Optional

• S.C.’s name and contact info.• Family’s primary language

Notifications to LEA

Notifications to LEA

• Notification #2 = “Potentially Eligible Children” over 2.6 years

• Notification 2 = Initial Referral to LEA for Part B eligibility determination

• Following Notification 2, LEA will:• Make contact with the family • Provide notice of procedural safeguards• Provide written information about Part B • Complete appropriate referral and evaluation

responsibilities

Potentially Eligible - Definition

• Children Over age 2.6 with an IFSP• Children eligible for Part C under

– Developmental Delay Category– Established Condition (EC) Category (with exceptions re:

prematurity or medically fragile condition)

• NOT Potentially Eligible– EC due to prematurity or medically fragile condition– “Informed Clinical Opinion” Category – Exceptions allowed with individual review

Transition Conference

Transition Conference

• Timeline –Typically held between 2.6 -2.9 years

• ITP sends written invitation to parent, LEA, and others as requested by parents

• Child’s information shared with LEA prior to conference (with consent)

• LEA required to attend conference• ITP must hold timely conference even if LEA

doesn’t attend

Transition Conference

• The following must occur at the conference– Review information reflective of child’s

development and performance– Share info. about LEA services, other community

resources, timelines, eligibility criteria, and process to evaluate or determine eligibility

– Review options from B-day to end of school year– Decide if “Referral for Special Education

Evaluation” is appropriate– Other activities may occur…

Referral to Part B Preschool Services

Referral to Part B Preschool Services

• ITP will share the following (with parental consent)– Copy of signed “consent to release information”

– Existing ITP evaluations/assessments, including specific test/cut off scores when available

– Current IFSP

Referral to Part B Preschool Services

• The LEA will– Complete a Referral to Consider a Special

Education Evaluation form – Give and explain Procedural Safeguards Notice – Get parent’s input about need for and scope of

initial evaluation – Review all available information and records– Decide what additional information, if any, is

needed

Summer Birthdays

Summer Birthdays

• LEA not required to provide services when not in session for over 5 days.

• When possible, transition conference and activities are completed before summer break

• Summer birthday does not change LEA’s requirements for evaluation, eligibility determination, and IEP development prior to age 3.

Late Referrals

Late Referrals

• Late Referral to Infant Toddler Program– Age 30-33 mo. ( 2yrs 6 mo. to 2yrs 9 mo.)– Age 33-34.5 mo. (2yrs 9 mo. to 2yrs 10.5 mo.)– Age 34.5 mo. to 36 mo. (2 yrs 10.5 mo. to 3 yrs)

• Late Referral to District from Infant Toddler Program

Evaluation and Eligibility

Evaluation and Eligibility

• Evaluation • Assessment

– Evaluation Team– Written Notice– Initial evaluation is comprehensive– Part B eligibility transitional meeting– Eligibility is determined and report given to parent

IEP Development

IEP Development• Development can occur at the transition

meeting (not encouraged)• Must have parent, district administrator,

special education teacher, general education teacher, and others family invites

• The IFSP can serve as an IEP with additional components, (or visa versa)

• Must be developed and implemented within 30 days of eligibility determination

Provision of Services

The Jones Family

On-Site Trainings• Region 1: CDA March 1, 2011 • Region 2: Lewiston March 2, 2011• Region 3: Nampa April 12, 2011 • Region 4: Boise March 24, 2011 • Region 5: Twin Falls March 9, 2011 • Region 6: Pocatello March 10, 2011• Region 7: Idaho Falls March 11 , 2011

Questions?

Thank-you!