Transition relates to the progression of a child from one activity, environment or program to another. Transition is an ongoing process and may occur at many points during the child's involvement in the Early Steps system. For example, Transition occurs at the following points:
discharge from the hospital to home
relocating to one service area from another
exit from Early Steps at age three to other service options
The IDEA, Part C indicates that there must be a policy in place in each participating state that addresses the transition of eligible children from Part C to Part B services on their third birthday. The steps and services necessary for a child's transition from an early intervention program to a preschool program must be written into the IFSP. By helping the families identify their children's needs within daily routines and assisting families to build on their children's competencies and use natural supports throughout their early intervention experience, children will be more prepared for the transition out of Early Steps. The IFSP team, which includes the family, the service coordinator, current service providers, and a representative from the local school district if the child is potentially eligible for IDEA, Part B services, determines the individual transition steps for each child. Specific timelines and procedures for transition are covered in the IFSP Module in this curriculum. The same individuals, to the extent possible, that developed the initial IFSP, conduct the following activities for transition to meet Early Steps requirements:
Develop an individualized transition plan
Adhere to the timelines and activities for providing information and preparing the family for transition
Assist the family in developing mechanisms for addressing the needs of the child within the context of their family and the larger community when planning for the child's transition
Develop outcomes for the child and/or family related to concerns about preparing the child and family to move from Early Steps, at age three, to the most appropriate early care and education setting (e. g., Head Start, Part B, preschool, or childcare) or other appropriate settings
