Hi Catherine! This is such a thoughtful and important question. Although the exact timing varies by state, the brief answer is yes (though there are some exceptions). If a toddler already has an IFSP the public school district should (1) evaluate the child (which might include reviewing early intervention evaluations depending on when those evaluations were completed), (2) decide if the child is eligible for special education services, and if the child is eligible (3) create and put the IEP in place by the child's third birthday. These decisions are made at one or more "Transition Meetings" which happen as early as when the child is 2 years 3 months old, up to when the child is 2 years 9 months old (depending on the state). Does this help to answer your question? Thank you so much for reaching out!
Can you provide clarity on the timeline of a transition from the IFSP to the IEP. Should the evaluations take place before the third birthday?
Hi Catherine! This is such a thoughtful and important question. Although the exact timing varies by state, the brief answer is yes (though there are some exceptions). If a toddler already has an IFSP the public school district should (1) evaluate the child (which might include reviewing early intervention evaluations depending on when those evaluations were completed), (2) decide if the child is eligible for special education services, and if the child is eligible (3) create and put the IEP in place by the child's third birthday. These decisions are made at one or more "Transition Meetings" which happen as early as when the child is 2 years 3 months old, up to when the child is 2 years 9 months old (depending on the state). Does this help to answer your question? Thank you so much for reaching out!
Yes, thank you so much! Former sped teacher now a parent. Navigating IFSPs for the first time 😅