IEP Help: Transitioning from Early Intervention (IFSP) to Special Education (IEP)
From 0-3 years of age, children with delays or developmental concerns receive services under Part C of IDEA, usually called Early Intervention Services. As children start to approach their third birthday, you are going to start hearing the word “transition.” This “transition” refers to your child's care moving from Part C to Part B services (if they qualify).
Part C services are for children ages 0 to 3, are generally delivered in the home environment, are family-centered, and are planned using an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). If you have been receiving these services, you’ve probably been welcoming a therapist, or a variety of therapists, into your home weekly or monthly, and these people have probably worked closely with you and your child on developmental goals like walking, talking, playing, and daily living tasks.
When your child turns 3, they graduate to receiving services through the school system rather than at your home. These services fall under Part B of IDEA, and are planned using the Individualized Education Program (IEP). This transition can feel intimidating to many, so here are some things that you should know:
At least 3 months before your child’s third birthday, your service coordinator will call at least one transition meeting. This meeting will address your child’s ongoing needs, preschool placement options, and the need for further evaluations.
Just because your child received early intervention services does not guarantee that they will be eligible for school-based services. You will provide information from past evaluations and additional evaluation will be completed to decide if your child is eligible for an IEP.
The IFSP will detail services that you receive in your home or in the community. The IEP will detail services your child will receive at school. This can feel like a big transition because you will no longer be present to observe your child’s daily therapy. Therefore, it is really important in your first IEP meeting to talk about how your child’s progress will be communicated to you regularly.
Because the services are no longer delivered in your home, transportation (e.g. buses) should be discussed!
In general, IEP meetings and related paperwork are going to look more official. The goals of the IFSP are to provide services to the family as a unit, so goals are generally written collaboratively with parents and generally feel a bit friendlier. IEP meetings will likely have more people involved, such as school district representatives, a special education teacher, a general education teacher, and other specialists. Additionally, the goals are written to address academic and functional goals of the child and are often not written in parent-friendly language. Even so, you are still a vital part of your child’s IEP, and the goals should reflect goals that are important to your family.
There should not be a gap in your child’s services. If your child turns three in the middle of a school year, they can continue to receive services through Part C until the following school year begins.
IFSP meetings occur every 6 months, whereas IEP meetings occur annually. However, you can request a meeting at any time. If you need help requesting a meeting, see THIS RESOURCE.
This is the first big transition in your child’s education, and it can be intimidating. If you feel unsure or need help, contact us!
