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Transition from Early Intervention

When Is It Time to Leave the EI Program?

Your child may leave the EI program when your child’s development improves and your child’s outcomes have been achieved. Otherwise, your child may continue in the EI program until their third birthday, or after if extended services are an option for your child. At least six months before your child turns 3 years old, you and your IFSP team will begin planning the transition out of EI services. This gives you time to find out whether your child is eligible for early childhood special education (ECSE) services through your local school district or, depending on their date of birth, whether your child is eligible for extended services. Not all children will qualify for ECSE, and your child may require another evaluation.

Notably, if you are requesting assistive technology but have less than six months before your child ages out of early intervention, your child may not receive assistive technology from early intervention.

Here are the steps and your role in the transition to early childhood special education services:

  • Talk to your service coordinator, parent liaison, and EI providers about how to prepare your child and family for transition. Your service coordinator will ask whether you want to be referred to the local school district for ECSE services. You can accept or decline. If you accept, your signature is needed to share information with your local school district.
  • Attend a transition planning conference for your child.
  • Participate in a school district’s evaluation(s) of your child, if needed.
  • Get decision on your child’s eligibility for ECSE, EI extended services, accommodations, and services from your school district.
  • If eligible, plan your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 plan. If not, consider other community resources or options for your child.
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