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Home What Happens When My Child Turns Three Years Of Age?The Infant-Toddler Program serves eligible children from birth until their third birthday. Before age three, you and your Child Service Coordinator need to plan for the move from services you are now receiving to those you may need in the future. For children who meet the eligibility requirements, the public schools offer Preschool Program services for three and four year olds with special needs. Other community resources can be identified for children who do not qualify for the Preschool Program. About six months before your child's third birthday, you and your Child Service Coordinator will begin discussing plans for this transition. The plan should include information about possible service choices. You may want to visit potential school classrooms or other programs in your community. You may want to learn when and how your child will move to a new program, and what evaluations may be needed to determine eligibility for these programs. You and your Child Service Coordinator will develop ways to make sure that your child's needs are being met and that the transition will be successful. If you are interested in the public school's Preschool Program for your child, you and your Child Service Coordinator should contact your local school system at least 90 days before your child's third birthday. You, your Child Service Coordinator, and other Infant-Toddler Program service providers should meet with school system personnel to discuss your transition plan and to make sure that all transition requirements are being met. If your child meets the eligibility criteria for the Preschool Program, then you and the school staff will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to begin on your child's third birthday. The IEP is similar to the IFSP. Many families find the booklet "Early Childhood Transitions in North Carolina: A Parent's Guide to the Infant-Toddler and Preschool Programs" helpful in planning a successful transition to the public school program. Your Child Service Coordinator can give you a copy of this booklet. |
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