What does transition for my three-year-old mean?

In Minnesota, early childhood intervention covers children from birth to age three. When your child turns three, they can transition to preschool special education services. The Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is replaced by an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and the services and supports your child receives change.

What to expect at your child’s transition meeting

You should attend a transition meeting with your child’s service coordinator and IFSP team at least three months before their third birthday to prepare for this next step. At the meeting, the team will discuss if your child is eligible for preschool special education services. After, the team will develop a transition plan and prepare for a change in programs for your child.

What is the difference between an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?

An IFSP is focused on your child, family, and services that will help you enhance your child’s development. An IEP primarily focuses on the educational needs of your child. The preschool IEP contains goals to address your child’s identified needs and help them prepare for kindergarten.

How to determine your child’s eligibility

Not everyone who receives early intervention services is eligible for preschool special education services. Your child will need to be evaluated to determine their eligibility. The evaluation will address their functioning and development in all areas of suspected developmental delay or disability. It is helpful for you to share information about your child that the evaluation team might not know, such as medical reports or the results of private evaluations. If your child is eligible for services, the team will meet to write an IEP. If you disagree with your child’s evaluation results, you have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at the school district’s expense.

How can I prepare for transition?

The next step is to prepare your family and child for their new routine. Practical tips to help make transition easier include planning ahead, making sure your child’s medical and assessment records are up to date, and talking with other families to learn what the process was like for them. Including your child in preparations can help them feel more confident going into a new situation. You may want to take them to visit their new setting, read books about going to preschool, and provide opportunities for them to play with other children.