At least ninety days (typically between 120 and 135 days) before your child’s third birthday:
- Unless you “opt-out” of notification in writing, early intervention will refer your child to your local school district to determine if your child is eligible for preschool special education and related services.
- With your approval, a Transition Planning Conference will be held with your service coordinator and early intervention practitioner(s).
Within 20 days of the written notification/referral from the early intervention system, an identification/evaluation planning meeting with school district personnel must be held to review current information about your child, determine whether an evaluation is warranted, and if so, whether additional assessments are needed.
Before your child’s 3rd birthday, if your child is evaluated and found eligible for preschool special education and related services you will participate, as a member of the IEP Team, in developing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for your child.
If your child is not eligible for special education and related services, your service coordinator should be able to help you find other opportunities in your community (for example, school district early childhood programs, private preschools, Head Start, child care).
EEP/Preschool-The process of applying to Perform care can begin when your child is in Early Intervention. However, the School Social Worker can assist you with that application at any time.
Preschool-Discussion and implementation of Special Needs Trusts can begin as early as preschool. Please contact your School Social Worker for more information.
Age 14-Special Needs Trusts should be established by age 15 and your child’s finances should be within SSI limits (no more than $2000).
Age 16.5-MSW to provide parents with packet on guardianship, SSI and other transition resources
Age 17-MSW to invite parents to discuss transition
Age 18-Apply for guardianship and SSI
Age 19-Apply for DDD, complete NJ CAT, research Support Coordination Agencies
Final school year-MSW to provide Graduate Timeline, parent to select a Support Coordination Agency and begin to create an ISP (Individualized Service Plan) with your Support Coordination Agency to plan for adult services