On or near the third birthday, a child steps ahead from Birth to 3 services to early childhood special education services and/or other community services. our child has continuing needs, she or he may be eligible for the special education services provided by the school district. Both the Birth to 3 program and your school district have procedures to ensure a smooth and effective transition for your child from early intervention to early childhood special education programs. These procedures are designed to ensure that by your child's third birthday an Individualized Education Program (IEP) has been developed and services are determined for your child.

Moving from program to program is called transition. Families and service providers walk through this transition together, one step at a time

Planning Ahead

Transition Planning Conference

Making Sense of the Meeting

Determining Eligibility and Developing the IEP Program

Developing Goals and Objectives

Determining Services and Placement

Putting the IEP into Action

Parental Rights

The law says...

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) provides parents with certain rights related to services for a child with a developmental delay or disability. These rights apply to the Birth to 3 and school district programs. It is very important for parents or guardians to be fully aware of these rights. If at any point you are uncertain about your rights, please ask questions of your Birth to 3 program or school district. Other sources of information are listed below. Do not sign any agreement until you understand what it means for your child. In brief, your rights under IDEA include the following:

• Transition Plan - There must be a transition plan developed by the Birth to 3 program as part of your child's and family's EFSR
• Written Consent - You must agree in writing before the school personnel administer new evaluation tests or begin services.
• Parent Participation - You must be consulted about your child's program and encouraged to participate in creating it. Meetings must be scheduled at times convenient for you to attend. Communication must be in your native language (including documents).
• Special Education Evaluation - Your consent is necessary for the IEP Team to administer tests. There is no cost to you for the evaluation. You have a right to have an independent evaluation in addition to the one provided by the school district staff if you disagree with the results. You have the right to a translator, if needed.
• Records - You may examine and receive copies of all your child's records.

• Confidentiality of Information - The information filed and used regarding your child must be kept confidential.

• Due Process - If you and the school district cannot agree on the evaluation, the identification, the placement or the provision of a free and appropriate public education for your child, both you and the school have the right to request mediation services or a hearing to settle this difference of opinion.

Sources of Information about Parental Rights

Special Education Director __________________________ (fill in on your own)
Local Parent Group _______________________________ (fill in on your own)
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 1-608-266-1781
Wisconsin First Steps 1-800-642-7837
Parent Education Project 1-800-231-8382 (in Milwaukee 328-5520)