Infants and Toddlers → MidCounty → Transition

Transition Information

What is Transition?
What are Part C and Part B?
What is a Transition Planning Meeting (TPM)?
How do we prepare for Transition?
What is the timeline for each step in the transition process?
What services are available for my child and family after age 3?

 What is Transition?

Transition is the process of change, new opportunities, and challenges. It involves identifying strengths and needs and making decisions about school and community resources. If eligible, some children will transition to special education (Part B services). Other children who are not eligible for Part B services may transition to community programs. Your service coordinator will collaborate with you to develop a plan that will facilitate a smooth and successful transition.

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What are Part C and Part B?

Part C of the Individuals with Disabilites Education Act (IDEA) is an early intervention program for eligible infants and toddlers, birth to age three, and their families. These children have an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). Part B of IDEA provides special education and related services to children and youth with disabilites, ages three through twenty-one. These children have a disabilty code and an Individual Education Plan (IEP).

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 The Transition Planning Meeting

The TPM is conducted by your service coordinator with input from you, the parents; your child’s providers; and a representative from Part B. Representatives from the community may participate if appropriate. You may also invite others to the meeting if desired. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the strengths and needs of your child and determine what services may be appropriate at age three.

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 Steps in Preparing for Transition

  • Explore sources of information available to you through your service coordinator, service providers, and resources noted in this brochure.
  • Be an active participant in your child’s current program and ongoing transition planning.
  • Gather information about various school and community resources.
  • Visit preschool programs.
  • Know your child’s strengths and needs. Be prepared to share these with providers as you work together to identify appropriate goals and objectives.
  • Attend workshops on transition and IEP development.
  • Take time to share thoughts and ideas, celebrations and concerns, with your family, friends and providers as you step out in a new direction.
  • Talk to your service coordinator for more specific information and other options.

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 Transition Timeline

Your Service Coordinator will help you with the transition process.

At the age of 24 months:

  • Discussion of transition begins
  • Transition plan is discussed and an outcome is added to the IFSP

Between 24-30 months of age:

  • Prepare for Transition Planning Meeting (TPM)
  • Explore community options

Between 27-33 months of age:

  • TPM will be held to discuss program options until your child’s third birthday and to consider Part B and/or other services after the third birthday.

Prior to 36 months:

  • If you wish to consider eligibility for Part B services, an IEP meeting will be convened to determine eligibility and, if eligible, an IEP will be approved.

At 36 months:

  • Services with Infants and Toddlers end.
  • Begin Part B services, if eligible.
  • Begin or continue participation in community resources.

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Community Resources for Children and Families

The Family Support Network: 301-984-5777

Montgomery County Recreation Department: 240-777-6820

MCPS Parent Information and Training Center: 301-962-3818

Montgomery County Government Child Link: 240-777-1000
Information and referral for children birth to five

LOCATE: Child Care Resource and Referral: 301-279-1773

Montgomery County Pre K/Head Start: 301-230-0676

Parent Resource Center - Rockville: 301-279-8479

The ARC: 301-984-5777

Montgomery County Public Schools Special Education Services for Children Age Three:
Itinerant Services
Pep Classic
Pep Inc
Beginnings
Pre-K Language Classes
Vision Program
Programs for Students Who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Child Find

Other Options:
MPAC
CAPP

 

 

 Modified June 19, 2007 | Maintained by Debbie Dorcus