Transition to Age 3

In California’s Early Start program, “early start transition” refers to the process of preparing a child and their family for the transition out of Early Start services at age three. This transition involves establishing whether a child will continue to receive services through a regional center or a school district, and ensuring a seamless transfer of support.

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Transition Planning Meeting
Eligibility
What to Expect

Transition Planning Meeting

The first step in this transition is the Transition Planning Meeting. This meeting occurs after the child reaches 27 months of age (2 years and 3 months) and no later than 90 days prior to their third birthday.

This meeting may include:

  • Family members
  • Your local school district representative
  • Your GGRC Early Start Social Worker

This meeting can happen in-person, virtually, or by phone conference. The Transition Planning Meeting is required by law and introduces the different types of services that may be available to your child through the local school district.

In addition to discussing the steps needed to help with moving into special education or other community services, the meeting is also meant to share information about any tests or evaluations the school district or regional center might need to do. The goal is for your child to have an updated IFSP (Individualized Family Service Plan) by the time they are 2 years and 9 months old. This plan will include information about your child’s move out of the Early Start program. Following the Transition Meeting, an assessment plan will be provided to you based on your child’s specific needs, and which areas of concern will be assessed to help determine eligibility for school district services.

Two photos in a collage with blue geometric shapes. Top photo is of a young Black girl held by her father, smiling and reaching toward the camera. Bottom photo is of an autistic boy with a big smile enjoying playtime in a sandbox at the park.

Regional Center Eligibility

The Regional Center will conduct its own appropriate assessment(s) to determine if your child meets the regional center eligibility criteria to receive services at age 3 and older through the Lanterman Services Program. Your child will be assessed by the regional center at least 90 days prior to the date they turn 3 years of age to determine their ongoing eligibility. While services for Early Intervention ends at the age of 3, your family will be notified as to whether your child will be exiting from the Regional Center or whether your child meets the eligibility criteria for services with the Regional Center after the age of 3.

If your child is eligible for regional center services after the age of 3, your child will likely transition to a new Social Worker, and an Individual Program Plan (IPP) will be developed. At this point, services may look different as school programs focus on the whole child and provide services and supports that promote social and educational development. The Regional Center will continue to provide service coordination, but most of your child’s other service needs will be met through the school.

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