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Transition from early intervention to preschool services should be planned before the birthday. Part B eligibility and programming require their own evaluation; simply waiting for earlier services to end is insufficient.
Planning and the IEP
Section 300.124 requires coordinated transition for children moving from Part C to Part B and, where applicable, an IEP developed and implemented by age three. Section 300.101(b) addresses FAPE at that age; if the birthday falls in summer, the team determines when services begin.
Steps for the family
Request coordination between early intervention and the DEPR. Keep the IFSP, evaluations, reports, and referral date. Ask which assessments remain, when eligibility will be discussed, and what program is proposed.
If there is a dispute
Section 300.518(c) has a specific transition rule: it does not automatically guarantee all Part C services after age three. We can review the referral, eligibility, and applicable Part B services.
The answer for your situation depends on the facts and records. An inquiry does not suspend legal deadlines or guarantee that the office will accept the case.
Reference sources
34 C.F.R. §300.124 · Transición a los tres años / Transition at age three34 C.F.R. §300.101(b) · FAPE desde los tres años / FAPE at age three34 C.F.R. §300.518 · Stay putLey 51-1996, según enmendada · Servicios Educativos IntegralesRules must be read in context. This explanation may require updating and individual review.