Front-Page Summary

Planning Transition from Early Intervention to Preschool

“My daughter is turning 3. What steps do I need to take to learn my rights and make the best decisions in her transition planning meeting?”

Topic

When your child’s transition at age 3 from early intervention to preschool, big changes occur both for your child and for your family. This Knowledge Bank will guide you through the process in terms of steps you can take to be an active decision-maker before the transition planning conference, during the conference, and in follow-up after the conference. *Videos provided by SpecialQuest and The Family Infant Toddler Program/The Special Education Office Public Education Department of New Mexico.

Bottom Line

• Recognize that transition from early intervention to preschool is a process rather than an event. Attend and participate actively at every step along the way. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.  
  

  PC   Professional talks about transition process (:35)
  Mac Mac Version of Professional talks about transition process (:35)

• Consider the short and long-term outcomes that you envision for your child and your family. This will help define more clearly what services and supports your child and your family may need in the school setting in order to reach future goals.
   
  

  PC Parent shares concerns and goals(4:32)
  Mac Mac Version of Parent share concerns and goals(4:32)

• Recognize that children with disabilities, including those with very significant disabilities, can still be successful in inclusive settings when staff are well prepared and when supplementary supports and services are provided.
   
  

  PC Parent-professional discusses natural environment vs LRE (:51)
  Mac Mac Version of Parent-professional discusses natural environment vs LRE (:51)

• Keep open lines of communication with early intervention and preschool professionals during the transition process. Ask them about supports they can provide – having information in advance of meetings, having an opportunity to visit programs that are being considered for your child, and having a key person (including a veteran parent) to guide you through the process.
   
  

  PC Parent and professional collaborate to ensure desired placement (1:37)
  Mac Mac Version of Parent and professional to ensure desired placement (1:37)

• Talk with other families about what their experiences have been with the transition process and find out if they have any tips or advice for you to consider.
   
  

  PC Parent shares transition experiences (2:36)
  Mac Mac Version Parent share transition experiences (2:36)

• Know that you are an active decision maker in the transition process. Understand your rights as a parent under IDEA (refer to Policy Advisories) and find out applicable state and local policies by contacting your state Parent Training and Information Center or by asking the early intervention or school program with which you are working.
  

  PC Parent-professional discusses the IFSP and IEP (:52)
  Mac Mac Version of Parent-professional discusses the IFSP and IEP (:52)

Most Comprehensive Document on Transition Planning

Tools for Transition in Early Childhood: A Step-by-Step Guide for Agencies, Teachers, and Families (learn more from Amazon)

_{*  TRANSITION:  Bridging the Systems. Developed by The Hilton/Early Head Start Training Program Funded by a public-private partnership between the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Office of Head Start, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Grant No.: 90YC0189).  For more information about the SpecialQuest Multimedia Training Library and the continued work in progress by SpecialQuest Birth-Five visit www.specialquest.org and The Family Infant Toddler Program N.M. Department of Health and The Special Education Office Public Education Department Sante Fe, New Mexico for sharing their videos for this Knowledge Bank.}