Supporting Early Childhood Transition: Helping Families and Children at a Critical Time Presented by...

Supporting Early Childhood Transition:

Helping Families and Children at a Critical

Time

Presented by

Shannon Dunstan

And

Carolee Eslinger

Needs Assessment Survey Results

Needs Assessment ResultsThe Transition Process: State ITP State

SDistsAdequately describes the array of preschool services

85% 90%

Offers family opportunity to visit LEA classroom

95% 88%

Gathers additional info (eval/assessment) in timely manner to determine eligibility

83% 87%

Discusses timelines, expectations, and other family concerns

88% 90%

Discusses other community options beyond Part B preschool

79% 77%

How frequently does this occur in transitions to Part B services?

State ITP

StateSDists

Timely invitation to transition conference 87% 74%

Agency collaboration to meet child and family’s needs

88% 78%

Share useful information to assist in eligibility determination

93% 74%

Have a primary contact person to call in other agency

88% 82%

Needs Assessment Results

The current Interagency Protocol clarifies the following:

State ITP

StateSDists

Evaluations/Assessments to be shared 56% 57%

Transition meeting coordination and scheduling

68% 61%

Information to be exchanged and timeframes for sharing

63% 69%

Needs Assessment Results

The Webinar Overview of Transition Planning Notification to LEA - Level 1 and Level 2 Development of IFSP Transition Plan Transition Conference Referral to Part B Preschool Special

Education Services Evaluation and Eligibility for Part B IEP Development Provision of Services

Additional Content: Procedural Safeguards Idaho’s Transition Related Timeline Tools to Support Notification 1 and 2

Format for NotificationPotentially Eligible graphicEligibility Summary for Part C

ESY Discussion Unique Circumstances

Late Referrals and Summer Birthdays

Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention and Evidence-based Practices Home and community settings Primary provider supported by a multidisciplinary

team Focus on child/families interests and daily

activities (Functional outcomes) “Coaching style” of interaction Service Coordination Flexible scheduling to accommodate

family/child’s needs

Safeguard Sam’s Video on Procedural Safeguards

Activities Timeline Part C to Part B Transitions

Child’s Age in MonthsYears.Months

242 25 26

272.3 28 29

302.6 31 32

332.9 34 35

363

36+3+

Transition Events

Discuss “transitioning” with all families whose child is nearing age 2

Include transition steps/activities in 2nd birthday IFSP

Send Notification 1 (& Notification 2 if

appropriate) to District

If consent given, share existing evaluations/ records with District

Schedule, invite, & hold transition conference (consider combining with IFSP review)

Schedule visit to school &/or observation by District (Recommended)

District conducts additional assessment/

evaluation (if needed)

Eligibility determined by District

IEP developed

IEP services begin

COSF exit scores shared w/ District

Notes: Both systems must work together to assure required transitional activities occur and if appropriate, an IEP is developed and implemented by the child’s third birthday.

1) Green shaded areas denote suggested/optional timeframes for completion of activities.2) Red box denotes latest allowable time for completion of compliance-related activities. 3) The above timeframes must be adjusted and/or accelerated if child’s birthday occurs during Districts summer break

or child enters early intervention services after 2 years 6 months of age.

2nd Birthday Planning

2nd Birthday IFSP Meeting

Notifications to LEA

Notifications to LEA Two Different Notifications Notification #1 = ALL Children served over 2.6 Part C shares:

Child and Parent’s Name and Contact Information Child’s DOB Optional

S.C.’s name and contact info. Family’s primary language

Notifications to LEA

• Notification #2 = “Potentially Eligible Children” over 2.6 years

• Notification 2 = Initial Referral to LEA for Part B eligibility determination

• Following Notification 2, LEA will:• Make contact with the family • Provide notice of procedural safeguards• Provide written information about Part B • Complete appropriate referral and evaluation

responsibilities

Potentially Eligible for Part B If Child is Over Age 2.6 with an IFSP and is Eligible Under:

Developmental Delay

(DD)Established Condition (EC)

Informed Clinical Opinion (ICO)

Confirmed Sensory Impairment (Deaf/Blind, HI,VI)

Physical Impairment (orthopedic)

Interactive Disorder Other Health

Impairment

Premature Infant under 32 weeks GA

Premature Infant +Environmental Risk Factors

Medically Fragile Condition

Refer Refer

Individual consideration and decisions about referral as potentially eligible required.

Do not refer unless

extenuating circumstanc

es exist

Transition Conference

Transition Conference

Required between 2.3 -2.9 years ITP sends written invitation to parent, LEA, and

others as requested by parents Child’s information shared with LEA prior to

conference (with consent) LEA required to attend conference ITP must hold timely conference even if LEA

doesn’t attend

Transition Conference

The following must occur at the conference Review information reflective of child’s development

and performance Share info. about LEA services, other community

resources, timelines, eligibility criteria, and process to evaluate or determine eligibility

Review options from B-day to end of school year Decide if “Referral for Special Education Evaluation”

is appropriate

Referral to Part B Preschool Services

Extended School YearServices shall be considered in light of:

1.Emerging Skill

2.Regression-Recoupment

3.Self-sufficiency

Decision shall be based on:

1.Data Collection

2.Written Documentation

Late Referrals

Late Referrals

Late Referral to Infant Toddler ProgramAge 30-33 mo. ( 2yrs 6 mo. to 2yrs 9 mo.)Age 33-34.5 mo. (2yrs 9 mo. to 2yrs 10.5 mo.)Age 34.5 mo. to 36 mo. (2 yrs 10.5 mo. to 3 yrs)

Late Referral to District from Infant Toddler Program

Summer Birthdays

Planning for School Breaks

According to Idaho Code, LEA’s can not exceed 60 calendar days from consent to determining eligibility, excluding periods when regular school is not in session for five or more consecutive school days.

LEA’s then have 30 days to complete and implement the IEP, also excluding periods when regular school is not in session for five or more consecutive school days.

LEA’s still have an obligation to have an IEP in place by the student’s 3rd birthday.

Good communication is essential when approaching school holidays and summer break.

Evaluation and Eligibility

How is Part C Different from Part B?

Part C

A comprehensive program of educational and therapeutic services for the eligible

child and family that facilitates the developmental process of children

ages birth to three whose

developmental patterns are atypical or are

at serious risk of becoming atypical due to certain physical or mental conditions.

Eligibility Categories - DD, EC, ICO

Part B

Student Meets Eligibility

1. Eligibility established by the state for a specific disability are met;2. Disability has an adverse impact on the student’s education, and3. The student needs special education

Different Assessment Tools?

Part C Part B

IEP Development

Provision of Services

New IEP Timeline

The time between receiving consent for assessment and the eligibility report to parent can not exceed 60 days.

Teachers now have an additional 30 days from the date of eligibility to IEP implementation.

Rule about IEP in place by 3rd birthday still applies.

The Jones Family

Presenter Contact Information

Shannon Dunstan

State Dept. Education

Sdunstan@SDE.IDAHO.GOV

Carolee Eslinger

Idaho Infant Toddler Program

EslingeC@DHW.IDAHO.GOV

Questions?

Thank-you!