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Anyone who has a child currently receiving Early Intervention services that will be turning 3 in less than 6 months, should start asking questions and getting information about the transition process, NOW.   By transition, I mean the process by which a child who has an IFSP and is receiving services through an Infant-Toddler program (IDEA-Part C) switches to having an IEP and receving services through a preschool program (IDEA-Part B).

A few weeks ago, Lyra’s Family Service Coordinator, TVI,  several other people, and I met for a pre-”transition meeting” meeting.  I initiated this meeting and I am so glad that I did.   Lyra’s EI services over the last 2 years have given me a good understanding of IFSPs, and I’ve learned a lot about IEPs over the last 5+ years through the many IEP meetings I’ve attended for my oldest daughter, Rebekah.  I even attended my state’s Education Advocate Training, just to gain even more knowledge.

Overall, I feel pretty confident in my knowledge and understanding of IDEA and special education laws and regulations as the apply to IFSPs and IEPs.   Connecting the two is where it gets confusing.  This transition planning/process has been by far, the most confusing special education process I’ve ever dealt with.  There is so much overlap between the Part C people and the Part B people and there are so  many inconsistencies as far as who does what, when, where and how.  I still have a lot of research to do and a lot of questions I need answered.  I already have 2 more meetings scheduled and will be scheduling a number of evaluations and appointments for Lyra over the next few months.  More on this and more on the details of this first meeting we had…coming soon. :)

To be continued…

Here are some resources on the subject of “transition” that have been helpful:

Early Intervention (Part C of IDEA)

Transitioning from Early Intervention

Transition Planning

Transition from Part C to Preschool