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Children with identified special needs are served through Early Steps (Part C) from birth to age three. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004 section 637(9A)), requires that children participating in early intervention programs through Early Steps (Part C), who will participate in school district preschool disabilities programs, receive a smooth transition.
Transition planning should include all individuals or agency representatives that have information to share about the child. Consideration should be given to the need for services by the family and child, and resources that are available to support a smooth educational transition. The recommended timeline is as follows:
- Ages 2 years to 2 years 6 months - formal transition planning begins. Informal discussions regarding transitioning out of Early Steps begin at enrollment into Early Steps.
- Ages 2 years 3 months to 2 years 9 months - a transition conference is held.
- Ages 2 years 3 months to 2 years 9 months – following the transition conference, referral to the local education agency (LEA) and/or other agencies are made as appropriate.
- By the child's 3rd birthday - an evaluation and eligibility staffing should take place for those children who are potentially eligible for the Part B prekindergarten program for children with disabilities. If eligible, the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) must be written and implemented.
Interagency agreements provide a clear, easy to follow roadmap for communities that will assist in facilitating a smooth transition for children and families. Benefits of the interagency agreement include the establishment of guidelines, clarification of roles and responsibilities and definitions related to agency interactions. More information about interagency agreements can be found at the Florida's Transition Project website, www.floridatransitionproject.ucf.edu/ A checklist for Interagency Agreement Scope and Content can be found in the administrator's section of this site under the link Articles and Technical Assistance Papers.
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