Frequently Asked Questions

What supports and services are available after age 3?
Your Service Coordinator should talk with you about the supports and services that may be available in your local community such as child care, preschool programs, library or play groups, Y programs. They may also talk with you about out-patient therapy options or therapeutic programs that may also be available. Some children may also qualify for continued support through the Area Agency with the Family Support program. These services, however, are very different from the services you and your child received in ESS.
Do I have to refer my child for preschool special education?
No. The decision to refer for special education is up to the parent. Remember, however, that ESS services will end on your child’s third birthday.

My child is going to be 24 months, what is a transition plan?

ESS eligibility ends when a child turns 3.  To make sure that there are no gaps in services, a transition plan will be developed and included in the IFSP. Planning for transition begins when your child turns 2, or earlier if your child is found no longer eligible for ESS, or as soon as possible if your child enters ESS after 24 months of age.  At this time, a written transition plan is developed and becomes part of your child’s IFSP. The transition plan lays out the steps and a timeline for what will happen over the next year to prepare your child and family for transition to services available after age 3.

In developing the transition plan, your Service Coordinator will discuss the following options with you:

  • All available community program options including child care, private preschool, preschool special education, Head Start and recreation programs
  • Community program options available for the family including family/parent support groups, parent workshops and sibling support groups
  • Identifying, scheduling and conducting all agreed upon evaluation/assessment procedures necessary to determine eligibility for future program enrollment

Other transition activities can include:

  • Preparing the child for transition to another program/activity
  • With parental consent, sharing information including evaluations, assessments, IFSPs with the local school district or other community based program
  • Assisting the family to evaluate potential programs through site visits or personal contact
  • Assisting the family to access available and eligible programs and services by completing forms and application, compiling records, obtaining transportation, and/or obtaining necessary adaptive and assistive devices/equipment
                                                                                                                  

 What happens when my child turns 3?

Return to Developing the IFSP