Parents of preschool children who need, or are thought to need, special education and related services have the same rights as other school-age children. Special education and related services must begin on the child’s 3rd birthday for children served in an early intervention program or for those children referred for an evaluation 60 school days before their third birthday and found eligible. If the child’s 3rd birthday occurs during the summer, the IEP team will determine when the school district’s services to the child will begin, but they must begin no later than the first day of the school year. 

There is no automatic eligibility for Early Childhood special education services. Parents, school personnel, and others should work together to determine if the child is eligible to receive special education services. 

All children in Early Intervention (EI) services are entitled to a smooth and effective transition by their 3rd birthday. The transition process begins when the child is 2 years, 6 months of age. Transition begins this early because it gives parents and early intervention, school, and other early childhood professionals time to meet, share information, and plan. When the child is 2 years, 6 months of age, the EI service coordinator will ask the parent to sign consent so a referral packet can be sent to the local education agency (LEA). The service coordinator should be notified if the parents want the child’s information sent to other preschool programs in the community. The child’s referral packet will be sent after the parents sign for consent. Without the consent, the service coordinator will not be able to send the packet, and the child’s transition process will be delayed. 

At no point will there be an expulsion or suspension from Early Childhood Services once elligible through Gavin School District 37