As your child approaches age 3, planning begins for what services may come next. If your child receives services through Washington’s Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT), your Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) will guide this process. If your child may be eligible for special education, a transition conference will be held to decide if an evaluation is needed. If your child is found eligible, a plan called an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed based on your child’s individual needs.
Transition begins 6-9 months before your child’s third birthday
| Transition Planning Begins | Transition Conference | Evaluation for an IEP |
|---|---|---|
| The FRC starts talking about the transition out of ESIT services with the family | Explanation of parent’s rights in special education | Begins with parent’s signature of consent for evaluation |
| A transition plan is added into the IFSP | Discussion early childhood special education and other service options | School receives the records from ESIT |
| If your child is potentially eligible for an IEP, the FRC schedules a transition conference 6 months to 90 days before your child turns 3 | FRC transmits your child’s records to the school system, with your written consent, including the most recent IFSP and evaluations/assessments | Family provides information and concerns |
| The FRC identifies and shares community resources | Development of a transition timeline | Child is evaluated for eligibility for an IEP |
| Transition plan is updated | Eligibility meeting is held within 35 school days |
Not all children who qualified for early-learning support will qualify for an IEP. Children who are not eligible for IEP services might be eligible to receive accommodations and support through a Section 504 Plan.
If your child needs support to prepare for school readiness
If a student is having a hard time in their preschool or learning program and has a known or suspected disability, the school district evaluates to see if the student qualifies for special education. This process is called Child Find. In Washington State, a request for special education evaluation has to be in writing (WAC 392-172A-03005). Anyone who knows the student can make this request. The state provides a form you can use, but it is not required—any written request is acceptable.
- Use the Sample Letter to Request an Evaluation to write your request. Download the Sample Letter to Request an Evaluation in:
English | Chinese (Simplified) 中文 (Zhōngwén) | Korean 한국어 (Hangugeo) | Russian Русский (Russkiy) | Somali Soomaali | Spanish Español | Tagalog | Ukrainian українська | Vietnamese Tiếng Việt - Make a copy for your records.
- Call or go on the website of your local school district to identify the correct office, person, and address to mail (signed, return receipt requested), email, or hand-deliver your request.
- Track your child’s progress through the evaluation process on the IEP Referral Timeline.
- This article forms part of the 3-5 Transition Toolkit
