Transitioning Children from Part C to Part B Toby Long, PhD, PT, FAPTA Rachel Brady, PT, DPT, MS January 14, 2011 Office of State Superintendent of Education, Division of Special Education, DC Early Intervention Program District of Columbia Public Schools, Early Stages Visit us on Twitter and the CSPD

Purpose 1.Introduce the rationale, research, and reality of Transition 2.Review the DC Early Intervention Transition Guidelines

Agenda Introductions Review the three Rs of Transition –Rationale –Research –Reality Review DC Transition Guidelines –Case Discussion Questions –From You –To You

Transition Refers to the movement of a young child and his/her family among early childhood programs, services, supports A state must use policies and procedures to ensure a smooth transition for toddlers receiving EI through Part C to Part B or other appropriate services or exiting the program

Rationale An important life event Family involvement is important for success Perception that transition practices are associated with better outcomes and school success

Research Transition is most successful when : Staff know key information about broad array of services Primary contact person for transition is identified Enrollment processes and timelines are specified Eligibility processes and timelines delineated Staff and families are involved in transition process Transition plans include specific, individualized activities for child and family Children have opportunity and support to practice skills needed for next environment Agencies develop formal mechanisms to minimize disruptions Rous, B (2008). Recommended Transition Practices for Young Children and Families. National Childhood Transition Center.

Reality Prescribed by Federal legislation since % Federal compliance indicators (SPP/APR) Part CPart B C8: Effective Transition Percent of children exiting Part C who received timely transition planning to support child’s transition to preschool & other appropriate community services by 3 rd birthday IFSPs with transition steps/services Notification of LEA if potentially eligible Transition conference B11: Child Find Percent of children who were evaluated within 60 days of receiving parental consent B12: Effective Transition Percent of children referred by Part C prior to age 3, found eligible, IEP developed and implemented by 3 rd birthday

DC Transition Guidelines Purpose of Guidelines To improve Early Childhood Transition (ECT) coordination To ensure services are uninterrupted and continue to meet the needs of child and family Background on Guideline development Transition Summit:10/25/10 ECT workgroup formed –OSSE-QAM Melanie Byrd, Krista Scott- Pilionis –Part C: DC EIP Jerri Johnston-Stewart Kerda DeHaan Sandra Smith, Kim Morrison –Part B: Early Stages Nathaniel Beers Heather Elliot Rachel Faulkner

Organization of Guidelines Timeline Categories of children Scripts Required activities for each category Entry to C prior to 2 yrs, 5 mos Late Entry to Part C 1234 Up to 2 yrs, 5 mos 2 yrs, 5 mos-2 years 9 mos 2 yrs 9 mos and 10.5 mos 2 yrs, 10.5 mos and 3 rd birthday

Case Discussions Count off Recorder

Resources NECTAC –Early Childhood Part C and Part B Requirements Related to Transition Timelines National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC) –Transition TiPS-Transition Toolkit of Practices and Strategies Regional Resources Center Program: rrfcnetwork.org Synthesis of key points from OSEP early childhood transition FAQ, July on.html

Thank You