Early On provides support and services for children from birth to age three. As the child nears their third birthday, a transition plan, part of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process, is created to support the change from Early On to whatever comes next. The plan includes what you want next for your child, how to make that happen, and ways to help your child be ready for these changes. Your service coordinator will schedule a meeting to develop the transition plan. This planning must start at least 90 days, and no more than nine months, before your child’s third birthday.
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Transition planning can start as early as 2 years, 3 months of age
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Transition planning must start by 2 years, 9 months of age
- Planning for for What Happens after Early On a fillable worksheet can help keep things on track.
What comes after Early On?
Where your child goes and what they do after Early On is an individualized decision.
- If services are no longer needed, your child has caught up to other children their age, or your child is not eligible for special education, your Early On service coordinator can connect you with local resources within your community. Michigan is expanding preschool options through PreK for All so every 4-year-old can access free preschool.
- If your child continues to need services and was found eligible for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services under Part C of IDEA , you can access the same community resources available to all families, along with your child’s transition to receiving special education services. Your family will also have a Transition Conference, which must occur at least 90 days before your child’s third birthday, to discuss the services your child may receive under preschool special education or other appropriate services
Students with delays or disabilities should attend preschool with non-disabled peers. Where a student receives their special education and related services is a team decision, a team that includes the parents. IDEA requires placement in the least restrictive environment for each child, based on the child’s needs as documented in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Preschool in the Least Restrictive Environment Guidance
- Preschool Environments Toolkit – Introduction
What about eligibility for special education services?.
If you have concerns about your preschooler’s development, the first step towards receiving special education services is asking your school district to complete a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility.
- Eligibility Resources including sample letters, timelines, eligibility criteria, and answers to common questions.
- Build Up Michigan Online Referral Form
Where will my child go to preschool?
This is a time when many parents begin thinking—and sometimes worrying—about school. It may be hard to picture your 3-year-old as a 4th grader or high schooler, but preparing early and planning for smooth transitions is one of the best ways to help your child grow and succeed. Now is the time to start developing a vision for your child’s future. Think positive! Think possible!
- MI Kids Matter Preschool Programs for Ages 3-5 Years
- Great Start Readiness Program is a state-funded preschool program. Development Delay is considered when figuring eligibility for GSRP. Great Start Connect program has a list of licensed preschools.
- Head Start is a federally funded kindergarten readiness program for children under age 5. This includes Early Head Start for children under 3. Head Start regulations require at least 10 percent of enrollees are children with disabilities, and income requirements may be waived.
- Find a Head Start program near you.
- Head Start Center
Preschool and LRE
We know that where a child attends preschool can set the trajectory for the rest of their educational career. In Michigan, the majority of young students with disabilities are not being educated with their typical peers. Research shows that when children with disabilities are educated alongside their non-disabled friends there are better outcomes for both!
- A high-quality early childhood program is one that involves children with disabilities. Federal Policy Statement on Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Programs
- Preschool Collective Action Plan
What are the key differences are there between Early On and preschool special education?
- Instead of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), you and your child’s team will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
- Early intervention uses the term natural environments. School age students should be educated in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that children with disabilities should receive services in typical community-based early childhood settings and programs whenever possible, and only go to more restrictive/specialized settings if a child’s individual needs require it.
