Transition Information
Part C VS. Part B
Your local school district offers a continuum of special education services for children ages 3 through 5 with various developmental delays/disabilities. These free services are based on specialists’ assessments and are determined by the individualized education program team.
The eligibility for Preschool Age Special Education (Part B) services differes from the eligibility requirements for Early Support for Infants & Toddlers (Part C) services.
Part C
25% or 1.5 SD below the mean in one area of developement
Diagnosed physical or medical condition that has a high probability of resulting in delay
Clinical Opinion
Part B
2 SD below the mean in one or more areas of development or 1.5 SD below the mean in two or more areas of development.
Disability eligibility category such as autism or other health impariments.
SD = Standard Deviation
The Standard Deviation provides an estimate of how different the score is from an average score on a test.
Other Differences
Ages 3 - 21 years
The goal of this program is educating the child with a delay or disability
The evaluation assesses the area(s) of suspected delay
And Individualized Education Program (IEP) documents the child’s measurable annual goals, services, and program, the IEP also describes how progress will be measured. The IEP team reviews the IEP annually.
Children with disabilities are educated in the least restrictive environment and with their typically developing peers.
Children are provided with a free and appropriate education
Ages Birth to 3 years
The goal of this program is helping the family meet the developmental needs of their child with a delay or disability
the evaluation assesses all areas of development
An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) documents the family functional outcomes developed by the team. IFSP’s are reviewed at least every six months with the services coordinator and rewritten annually by the IFSP team.
Services are provided in natural environments, such as the child’s home or in other sites in the community.
Families are billed on a sliding fee scale and insurance plans are billed
FAQ
Preschool Age Special Education Services FAQs
Your local school district offers a continuum of special education services for children ages 3 through 5 with various developmental delays/disabilities. These free services are based on specialists’ assessments and are determined by the individualized education program team.
How does my child access these services?
Children must qualify for services through a developmental evaluation
If my child qualifies for early support services at A Step Ahead, will they qualify for school district services?
Your child may not be eligible due to the progress during their time in early support. The delay to qualify for school district services needs to be more significant than the delay needed to qualify for early support services. While early support looks at how a child is functioning at home and during their daily life, the school district is looking at how a child’s delay will impact their classroom and educational experience.
What happens during the evaluation?
The school district evaluation is very similar to the evaluation you received through A Step Ahead. A team of professionals, dependent on the areas being assessed, will use parent report and observation to determine how your child is functioning in the areas of concern.
How does my child qualify?
The evaluation will be completed by the school district in areas of concern and suspected difficulties. Your child is scored based on a standard deviation. The standard deviation provides an estimate of how far your child’s score is from an average score.
When should I pursue these services?
After your child is 29 months, your team at A Step Ahead will help you form a transition plan. Your FRC can assist you in coordinating the school district evaluation and will contact you before your child is 33 months to discuss this.
You do have the option to wait until after your child’s 3rd birthday and independently pursue an evaluation through your school district’s ChildFind screening process. You may contact the school district any time before your child reaches kindergarten to do this.
What happens if my child qualifies?
The school district will create an IEP (Individualized Education Program) for your child. The IEP is a service plan that has goals for your child to work on to support their educational experience and areas of need and is updated annually.
What happens if my child does not qualify?
If your child is not eligible for services, your FRC will work with you to identify other possible options available for your child. If you continue to have concerns for their development, your child may also be re-evaluated by the school district in 6 months.
What do services look like?
1. Preschool program. This program looks like a typical preschool classroom setting. Your child will receive support from certified special education teachers and paraeducators in the classroom. If therapy is recommended, therapists will join your child in the classroom throughout their school week. The preschool program runs half day sessions, four days a week. Your child will be assigned either a morning or afternoon session based on a variety of factors.
2. Ancillary services. This includes direct therapy only services and may speech and language therapy, behavioral supports, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy. You would bring your child to their therapy appointment with the frequency determined at the IEP meeting.
When can my child start services?
If you child is determined eligible prior to age 3, they may begin services on their 3rd birthday (please note services only run during the school year).
If eligible for the preschool program, can I pick the school my child will attend?
No. The school district assigns your child’s school. Not all elementary schools house preschool classrooms and assignment is determined through a variety of factors including, proximity to your home, how many children are already enrolled and the delay in development your child has.
Does my child need to be toilet trained to attend the preschool program?
No. Your child does not need to be toilet trained to enroll in this program.
Is transportation provided?
Yes. You may choose to drop off and pick up your child or sign up for school bus transportation.
Can I transport from daycare or babysitter location?
Yes. The location does need to be within the school district boundaries and will be a determining factor of your child’s school assignment.