Age 3: Are You Ready To Pass the Baton?
The transition from early intervention requires extra parental involvement.
by Samtra K. Devard
Children with special needs approaching their third birthdays and their families face a crucial transition, from the early intervention system into the school district, where the family resides, or in Pennsylvania, into their county’s intermediate unit.
As in a relay race, the key is to make sure the baton is passed from the service coordinator to you, the parent, without dropping it.Parents who have not been trained, informed or simply told what to expect are often caught by surprise at their expanded role in the planning of educational and related service goals for their child.
At the time of my daughter’s transition from the early intervention system into our local school district, I felt unprepared. I did not know enough about IEPs (Individualized Education Plans). I had to figure out what my role was and what my child needed. Inevitably, I missed some things.
For example, I erroneously assumed that all the services my daughter had been receiving would continue, which was not the case.
I did not know to ask about the difference between articulation and language when assessing speech therapy needs. In the early intervention system, articulation and language are addressed by the speech therapist. But I found out that in most school districts, they are addressed separately.
Here are important tips for families transitioning from the early intervention system into their local school district or intermediate unit.
• Visit all possible placements well in advance of your child’s third birthday. Look at the classroom layout. Observe the classroom routine. If possible, take your child with you. Seeing him in his prospective new environment can assist your decision-making process.
• Attend workshops and seminars offered by support groups and parent-training centers. They provide training in areas such as IEPs and advocacy that could boost your knowledge and comfort level.
• Ask questions. Write them down. Don’t be afraid that there is a lot you don’t know.
• Get connected with another family who is in your district and in the placement you are assessing. Their perspective will be unfiltered. Be aware though, that their experience is their own. You will need to assess things for yourself and for your child.
• Ask your service coordinator to aid you. Seek guidance to identify and bridge potential service gaps.
• Organize yourself. Have a place for your documents, including IEPs, assessments and your questions.
• Bring an ally to accompany you at important meetings.
• Know your hopes for your child. Let them guide you when figuring out how to individualize your child’s education plan.
• Remember, no one knows your child better than you do. You are the expert.
Samtra Devard is a Bear, DE freelance writer.