Transition from Early Intervention Services

What is transition?
When does transition planning begin?
What is the Committee of Preschool Special Education (CPSE)?
What is Preschool Special Education?
What is a Transition Plan?
What is a Transition Converence?
What is a Transition Calculator?
What happens during the CPSE Evaluation?
What should I expect from the CPSE meeting?
What are the differences between an IFSP and an IEP?
How can I help my child transition out of early intervention?
What happens if my child does not qualify for preschool special education?
Where can I go for more information or assistance for my child and family?

What is Transition?

Transition is the process of moving from the New York State Early Intervention Program (EIP) to the next stage of services when your child turns three years old.

For some children, this may mean moving to Preschool Special Education if they are found eligible. Other children may transition to community programs, childcare, preschool, or other services that meet their needs.

When Does Transition Planning Begin?

Transition planning begins during your child's first Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting. As your child grows, your IFSP team will continue talking with you about what happens after Early Intervention and answer any questions you may have.

As your child approaches age two, your Ongoing Service Coordinator (OSC) will begin working with you to develop a transition plan and explain your options.

What is the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE)?

Every school district in New York State has a Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).

The CPSE determines whether a child is eligible for preschool special education services and, if eligible, develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The CPSE includes you as the parent, school district representatives, educators, evaluation professionals, and others who may have knowledge about your child.

What is Preschool Special Education?

Preschool Special Education serves eligible children ages three through five who have disabilities. The program is administered by the New York State Education Department through your local school district.

Services are designed to help children learn and participate in preschool and other everyday activities while preparing them for kindergarten and future learning.

What is a Transition Plan?

A transition plan is part of your child's IFSP. It helps your family prepare for the next step after Early Intervention.

The transition plan may include:

Reviewing your child's progress.
Discussing preschool special education and other community programs.
Identifying services and supports your child may need after Early Intervention.
Reviewing important timelines and deadlines.
Identifying action steps and who will help complete them.
Connecting your family with community resources.

What is a Transition Conference?

With your permission, your Service Coordinator will arrange a Transition Conference.

During the Transition Conference, your team will:

Review the transition process.
Discuss available program options.
Decide whether a referral to the CPSE should be made.
Develop or review your child's transition plan.
Review important timelines.
Discuss any parental consents that may be needed.

The Transition Conference must be held at least 90 days before your child is first eligible for Preschool Special Education and no more than nine months before your child's third birthday.

What is a Transition Calculator?

The New York State Education Department's Transition Calculator helps families estimate important dates for moving from the Early Intervention Program to Preschool Special Education.

By entering your child's birthdate, the calculator will show key transition dates, including when your child may first become eligible for Preschool Special Education and important deadlines during the transition process.

The calculator is a helpful planning tool, but your Ongoing Service Coordinator (OSC) and Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) can also help you understand the timelines that apply to your child.

New York State Education Department Transition Calculator

https://www.p12.nysed.gov/sedcar/ei_to_4410_calculator.html

Please visit the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention for more information and FAQs.

What Happens During the CPSE Evaluation?

If your child is referred to the CPSE, the school district will explain the evaluation process and ask for your written consent before the evaluation begins.

The evaluation helps determine whether your child is eligible for Preschool Special Education services.

The evaluation may include:

A review of your child's development.
Parent interviews and information about your child's history.
Standardized assessments.
Observations of your child.
Other evaluations that may be needed based on your child's individual needs.

You will receive a copy of the evaluation before your CPSE meeting.

What Should I Expect at the CPSE Meeting?

At the CPSE meeting, the committee will review your child's evaluation and discuss your child's strengths, needs, and progress.

If your child is found eligible, the CPSE will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP describes the special education programs and services your child will receive.

You are an important member of the CPSE and have the opportunity to ask questions, share information, and participate in every decision.

What Is the Difference Between an IFSP and an IEP?

An IFSP:

Serves eligible children from birth to age three.
Focuses on both the child and family.
Includes family concerns, priorities, and resources.
Provides services in natural environments whenever appropriate.
Includes Service Coordination.

An IEP:

Serves eligible children ages three through twenty-one.
Focuses on the child's educational needs.
Describes the special education programs and related services the child will receive.
Provides services in the least restrictive environment appropriate for the child.
Does not include Service Coordination.

How Can I Help My Child Transition out of Early Intervention?

Parents play an important role in successfully transitioning out of early intervention.

You can help by:

Asking questions.
Learning about available preschool options.
Keeping copies of your child's evaluations, IFSPs, and medical records.
Visiting programs before your child starts.
Sharing your child's strengths, interests, and needs.
Working together with your child's Early Intervention and CPSE teams.

What Happens If My Child Does Not Qualify for Preschool Special Education?

Not every child who receives Early Intervention will qualify for Preschool Special Education.

If your child is not eligible, your Service Coordinator can help you learn about other community programs and resources that may support your child's continued growth and development.

Where Can I Go for More Information or Assistance for My Child and Family?

There are many resources available to help you as your child transitions from the Early Intervention Program.

New York State Department of Health – Bureau of Early Intervention

Find information about the transition process, parent guides, and other Early Intervention resources.

https://www.health.ny.gov/community/infants_children/early_intervention/

New York State Education Department (NYSED)

Learn about Preschool Special Education (CPSE), your child's rights, and preschool special education services.

https://www.nysed.gov/special-education/preschool-special-education

Child Care Resource and Referral Centers (CCR&Rs)

If you are looking for childcare or preschool options, your local Child Care Resource and Referral Center can help you find programs and services in your community.

https://www.ocfs.ny.gov/programs/childcare/referral-agencies.php

Parent Center Hub

Find your local Parent Center and access information about special education, early intervention, transition, and family supports.

https://www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center/

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Centers

The New York State Education Department's Family and Community Engagement Centers provide information, training, and resources to help families support their children's learning and work with their school districts.

https://www.nysed.gov/family-engagement

If you have questions about your child's transition, your Ongoing Service Coordinator (OSC), local Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), and Early Intervention Official (EIO) are also available to help guide you through the process.

Learn More

For additional information about transition from Early Intervention, visit the New York State Department of Health Bureau of Early Intervention and the New York State Education Department websites.