Transition From EI To CPSE An Update of New York State Regulations and Nassau County Paperwork

Presentation Developed By LEICC Transition Subcommittee Members: Kris Anderson, Nassau County Dept. of Health Cathy Grossfeld, All About Kids, Subcommittee Co-Chair Tara McNally, The Early Childhood Direction Center Dr. Maxine Marcus, Syosset School District Karen Seltzer, First Steps, Subcommittee Co-Chair

Transition is…. The process of moving from the Early Intervention Program (EIP) to either community-based resources or services overseen by the school district’s Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE).

Service Coordinator Responsibilities Know transition regulations and make timely recommendations for transition date. Have parent sign required paperwork for transition. Review CPSE process with parent. Attend CPSE meeting.

Federal Education Law (IDEA) The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was originally passed in 1975 as the Education of all Handicapped Children’s Act (EHA).

Entitles children ages 3-21 with disabilities to a free and appropriate public education (FAPE).

Other Relevant Federal Laws Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 Civil rights legislation ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against at work, school or in other aspects of community living (all ages).

NYS Education Law Since 1989, New York State Law, Article 89, has made IDEA entitlements available through local school districts starting at age three.

Public Health Law Amendments Regarding Early Intervention Changes effective as of September 2003. Amendments changed age-eligibility for the Early Intervention Program.

EI Aging Out A child’s eligibility for the EIP ends by the end of the day before his/her third birthday unless the child has been determined eligible for CPSE services at a CPSE meeting, classified a Preschool Student with a Disability and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed.

For example, if a child turns 3 on April 10, the meeting must be held on or before April 9.

If a child is deemed eligible by CPSE and continues to meet EI eligibility criteria, the following “age out” dates from EI apply:

A child who turns three years of age between January 1st and August 31st may continue in the EIP until August 31st. A child who turns three years of age between September 1st and December 31st may continue in the EIP until December 31st.

Transition Table Form 1 Reference to easily determine: Date first eligible for CPSE evaluation process. Child’s first date of CPSE eligibility. Last date child may remain in Early Intervention.

Parental Options If a child is found eligible for preschool special education before age three, parents have the option to have their child:

Transition to preschool special education when age eligible for CPSE services (see Form 1) Remain in the EIP until the child ages out and then transition to CPSE services

A child may be discharged from the EIP at any time upon attaining his/her IFSP goals and determined as no longer eligible/needing therapy services.

If a child is not found eligible for Preschool Special Education (CPSE) before age 3 or parents choose not to have their child evaluated for CPSE:

Child’s last day of service is the day before his/her third birthday. Ongoing Service Coordinator (OSC) must develop a transition plan that includes other community early childhood services and programs, if desired by parent(s).

CPSE Eligibility for Evaluations: A child is eligible for the CPSE evaluation process 4 months prior to the first date of CPSE eligibility for services (see Form 1). All children require a transition plan out of EIP, regardless of whether a child needs continued therapy services or not.

CPSE Eligibility Age for Services: A child turning 3 between January 1st and June 30th is eligible to receive CPSE services as of January 2nd. A child turning 3 between July 1st and December 31st is eligible to receive CPSE services as of July 1st.

Discussing Transition Form 2 At the initial IFSP meeting, the Initial Service Coordinator (ISC) will introduce the parent to transition by reviewing and completing the transition page contained in the IFSP.

At subsequent IFSP meetings, the OSC will continue to review the transition page and ensure its timely completion.

Transition Planning Conference If requested by the parent(s), the EIOD is required under section 2548 of Public Health Law to arrange for a Transition Planning Conference among the EIOD, service coordinator, the child’s parent(s) and the chairperson of the CPSE or his/her designee.

The purpose of the transition planning conference is to review the child’s program options, determine whether or not a referral should be made to CPSE and establish a transition plan.

Early Intervention Transition Forms and Notices

Transition Notice-Parent Consent Form Form 3 Parents of children receiving Early Intervention Services receive this form from the Department of Health before the child is 2 years 6 months old.

The form alerts parents to their child’s upcoming transition. It gives them options regarding transition for their child.

When parents receive this notice, they will often call their OSC for further explanation and guidance. You should be familiar with the various options for their child and help them make an informed decision as to how to proceed with transition.

Transition Planning Conference/ Notice Form 4 This form is filled out by the EIOD, whether or not they are the Ongoing Service Coordinator. It is mailed to CPSE chairs to notify the district that parent desires a transition planning conference.

The CPSE chair is requested to indicate availability and return form to the Department of Health. Teleconference attendance by the chair or designee conforms with current regulations.

Parent Referral Letter To The CPSE Form 5 This letter may be used by parents when a district requests a written referral at the time they register their child for CPSE evaluation.

Parents will often contact their Ongoing Service Coordinator for assistance in completing this letter.

CPSE Meeting Notification Form 6 School districts are requested to notify the EIOD and the ongoing service coordinator of the time and place of the child’s CPSE meeting as soon as it is scheduled.

The OSC should speak with their transitioning families and ask to be advised of the meeting date as soon as they are informed by the district. Parents are often given the meeting date before the Dept. of Health is notified.

If a parent tells you of a CPSE meeting before you are informed of the date by the Dept. of Health, it is requested that you call the EIOD as extra assurance that the EIOD knows of the meeting.

Who Is At A CPSE Meeting The OSC and EIOD are mandated members. Parent(s) – If parents are not available for the scheduled date and time, they may request that the meeting be rescheduled by the district. In rare instances, a parent may participate via teleconference.

The CPSE chair or their designee. A member of the evaluation team or a school district representative who can interpret the evaluation results. CPSE parent member unless the child’s parent requests in writing that the parent member not attend.

A regular education teacher or the. child’s preschool teacher A regular education teacher or the child’s preschool teacher. The preschool teacher may attend in person or participate via teleconference. County CPSE representative may attend.

The parent may bring with them anyone they wish such as a friend or relative. A professional involved with the child, such as a speech therapist, may attend at the parent’s request and the therapist’s availability.

Role of EI Providers and Service Coordinators at the CPSE Meeting EI therapists and Service Coordinators who attend the CPSE meeting are there to present the child’s progress and current status in the EI program, not to make CPSE recommendations.

Therapists are not required to attend CPSE meetings and are not members of the CPSE. EI providers should remember that attendance at CPSE meetings is not a billable service.

Notification To Department of Health Early Intervention Program Of Eligibility Determination For Transitioning EI Child Form 7 It is essential that CPSE chairs complete this form at the CPSE meeting to advise Early Intervention of the eligibility results of the child’s CPSE meeting.

Only a child who has had a CPSE meeting and deemed eligible for services by the day before their third birthday and has had an IEP written, may continue in Early Intervention until their age out date.

The OSC should request that the CPSE fax this form immediately to the Department of Health and/or a copy is brought back from the meeting by the EIOD.

Early Intervention Progress Notes Often, a CPSE meeting is held months in advance of a child’s actual transition date. The OSC should inform parents that the CPSE may request a release of updated progress reports as a child’s transition approaches.

The CPSE may then decide to reconvene to review the child’s progress reports. Based on child’s progress, the committee may review the child’s eligibility status, frequency and duration of services and IEP goals.

This release of progress reports requires parental consent and the OSC should encourage parents to sign the CPSE’s release form. Assures that the child has remained eligible. Assists with development of IEP goals.

Parent Checklist Form 8 This form is received by parents as a tool to assist them during transition. Encourage parents to keep this accessible and refer to it frequently throughout the transition process.

A Parent’s Guide To Transition Parents receive this booklet about the transition process from the Department of Health.

Common Questions and Answers About Transition

lQuestion: Can the CPSE Committee complete the CPSE Eligibility Form without having a meeting? lAnswer: No – a meeting must be held and an IEP must be developed.

lQuestion: Are EI Service Coordinators required to attend a second follow-up CPSE meeting if requested by the district? lAnswer: No -- Service Coordinators do not attend any CPSE meetings except the initial transition meeting.

lQuestion: How much notice must the district give to the child’s EI Service Coordinator for the CPSE transition meeting? lAnswer: The parents should receive a minimum of five (5) school days notice of the meeting. Although state regulations only address parental notification, school districts are asked to give the Early Intervention Service Coordinators notification at the same time so that they may adjust their schedule to enable them to attend.

lQuestion: If an initial CPSE meeting is held after the child’s third birthday, can the child continue to receive EI services? lAnswer: If a child is found eligible for CPSE after he/she turns three (3), the child cannot return to Early Intervention.

lQuestion: What is required if parents want their child to remain in Early Intervention past his/her third birthday? lAnswer: In order for children to remain in EI past their third birthday, the child must be determined to be eligible for CPSE services at an initial CPSE meeting and the child must have an IEP with goals dated prior to the child’s third birthday. The start date of CPSE services may be at a later date.

lQuestion: What does the CPSE need to do if the child’s initial transition meeting was held a substantial time before the actual transition date? lAnswer: To ascertain that a child has remained eligible and the goals continue to be appropriate, as the child nears his/her transition date the district should review the child’s latest EI progress reports.

County Resources In addition, parents may wish to speak to county resources. Nassau County Department of Health Phone: (516) 227-8661 Fax: (516) 227-8662

Further Information OSCs should contact the child’s EIOD with any questions or concerns. Parents or the OSC may call the Early Childhood Direction Center with questions that may arise regarding a child’s transition. Phone (516) 364-8580 Fax (516) 921-2354