SECTION 6: TRANSITION PLANNING CONFERENCE

The Purpose of the Transition Planning Conference:
The transition planning conference provides you an opportunity to meet a Child Study Team (CST) member prior to deciding to begin the transition process into a preschool special education program. At the transition planning conference the following topics will be discussed:

• The similarities and the differences under the IDEA between the early intervention system (Part C) and special education programs (Part B).
• The date early intervention services will end.
• Your priority outcomes for your child on your child's current Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) until his/her third birthday.
• The steps and desired outcomes of the transition process.
• Your child's future needs in relation to current services.
• The steps to prepare your child for a change in service delivery. 
  
  At this meeting, as well as at other times, you can discuss alternatives to special education if you choose not to refer your child. You can also discuss the possibility of continuing to receive services from your county Special Child Health Services through their Case Management Unit. With your consent, your early intervention provider can send records, (assessments, evaluations, IFSP and other information) to the public school. You should have the opportunity at this meeting to begin to develop a mutually supportive relationship with those who may serve your child in the future.
  
  Who Coordinates the Conference:
  Your early intervention service coordinator convenes the transition planning conference, with your permission, between four to six months prior to your child's third birthday. All participants at this meeting should be consulted in setting the time, date and location of the meeting, in order to find a mutually agreeable time and place, and to ensure the meeting's success. You and the CST should receive written prior notification of the meeting. 
  
  Participants in the Transition Planning Conference:
  The conference includes you, your early intervention service coordinator, your early intervention provider, a CST member, and other people, as you decide when planning the conference with your service coordinator.
  
  Other Points about Transition Planning Conferences:
  More than one transition planning conference may be necessary. At this meeting you will develop a transition plan with the participants. The transition planning conference helps you understand IDEA procedures. The transition plan is part of the IFSP, not the IEP. You may decide to refer your child for preschool special education services after the meeting.