All children in Early Intervention (EI) services are entitled to a smooth and effective transition by their 3rd birthday. The transition process begins when your child is 2 years 6 months of age. Transition begins this early because it gives you and early intervention, school and other early childhood professionals time to meet, share information and plan.
When your child is 2 years 6 months of age, your service coordinator will ask you to sign consent so a referral packet can be sent to your local education agency (LEA). If you want your child's information sent to other preschool programs in your community, tell your service coordinator. Your child's referral packet will be sent after you sign for consent. Without your consent, your service coordinator will not be able to send your packet and your child's transition process will be delayed. If you have concerns or questions about sharing information, you may want to discuss them with your parent liaison or service coordinator
You may want to start the transition process before your child is 2 years 6 months. Some families want more time to plan; some families are concerned about what will happen if their child turns 3 during the summer; some families are concerned about their child's complex medical needs. If you would like to start transition earlier, tell your service coordinator as soon as possible.
Remember
The referral packet will be sent to your local school district or special education cooperative. Ask your service coordinator where the information will be sent. Write important names and contact information on the inside of the front cover of this workbook
"The future belongs to those of us who believe in the beauty of our dreams…"
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Putting Together Your Referral Packet
Typically, a referral packet will include the most current IFSP and evaluations. As you review your child's file, decide what additional information you would like to share. If there is any material that you do not want to share, tell your service coordinator. You should feel comfortable with the information you choose to share. Your child's referral packet is an important part of the transition process.
At this point, you probably have a lot of questions about transition. Your service coordinator is there to help answer your questions and explain the complete process. Use the Parent Checklist to help you keep track of the things you have done so far.
Parent Checklist
Date I signed consent to send my child's referral packet: (Line for the date)
Date referral packet sent: (Line for the date)
Referral packet sent to: (Line for the answer)
Things I put in the referral packet: (Several lines for the answer)
Date, time and location for Transition Planning Conference:
Date: (Line for the answer)
Time: (Line for the answer)
Location: (Line for the answer)