It is never too early for families of toddlers receiving Early Intervention (EI) services to be thinking about services and programs for when their children turn 3 years old. Not every child will require early childhood special education services, but many will need referrals for child care, Head Start, family support services and non-Department of Education preschool services.
The time to start planning is at the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meeting which must be held around the child's 2nd birthday. At that time, parents should get a clear understanding of what needs to happen to keep a toddler's EI services past their 3rd birthday and how to work with the Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) process. Families should know all their options early, and have the opportunity to discuss them with their child’s team, service coordinator and Early Intervention Official Designee.
You can get specific information and help with the transition from EI to other early childhood services and programs from RCSN's Early Childhood Specialist, Nina Lublin, at nina@resourcesnyc.org or at (212) 677-4650 x24. RCSN also offers training about Early Intervention, preschool special education and other educational and community services. Please contact Nina to arrange one for your school or community organization.
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