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 Results The Transition Process:State ITP State SDists Adequately 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 State SDists Timely invitation to transition conference87%74% Agency collaboration to meet child and familys 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 State SDists 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 Idahos Transition Related Timeline Tools to Support Notification 1 and 2 Format for Notification Potentially Eligible graphic Eligibility 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/childs needs

Safeguard Sams Video on Procedural Safeguards

Activities Timeline Part C to Part B Transitions Child s Age in Months Years.Months Transition Events Discuss transitioning with all families whose child is nearing age 2 Include transition steps/activities in 2 nd 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.

2 nd Birthday Planning

2 nd Birthday IFSP Meeting

Notifications to LEA

Two Different Notifications Notification #1 = ALL Children served over 2.6 Part C shares: Child and Parents Name and Contact Information Childs DOB Optional S.C.s name and contact info. Familys 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 Individual consideration and decisions about referral as potentially eligible required. Do not refer unless extenuating circumstanc es exist

Transition Conference

Required between years ITP sends written invitation to parent, LEA, and others as requested by parents Childs information shared with LEA prior to conference (with consent) LEA required to attend conference ITP must hold timely conference even if LEA doesnt attend

Transition Conference The following must occur at the conference Review information reflective of childs 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 Year Services 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 Referral to Infant Toddler Program Age mo. ( 2yrs 6 mo. to 2yrs 9 mo.) Age 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, LEAs 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. LEAs 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. LEAs still have an obligation to have an IEP in place by the students 3 rd 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 students education, and 3. The student needs special education

Different Assessment Tools? Part CPart 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 3 rd birthday still applies.

The Jones Family

Presenter Contact Information Shannon Dunstan State Dept. Education Carolee Eslinger Idaho Infant Toddler Program

Questions?

Thank-you!