About the Initiative

The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) recognized the need for a systematic and strategic technical assistance approach to support the states, territories and jurisdictions in their implementation of the transition requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) (34 CFR 303.148 and 34 CFR 300.124). The OSEP transition initiative is based on the recognition of the need for a more uniform, consistent and evidence-based framework for technical assistance. The initiative supports states’ capacity to address transition issues, implement improvement activities, and demonstrate progress in meeting the requirements of the State Performance Plan (SPP) and Annual Performance Reports (APR) for the Early Childhood Transition Indicators C8 and B12 through a variety of technical assistance activities. The National Early Childhood Transition Initiative represents a collaborative technical assistance effort of OSEP, the Regional Resource Center Program (RRCP), the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC), the National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC) and the Data Accountability Center (DAC).

Early Childhood Transition Requirements

• Timeline for Late Referral to Part C to Part B (September 2012) (PDF: 439kb)
• Early Childhood Transition Timeline for SPP/APR Indicators C-8A, 8B, 8C, B-11 and B-12 (September 2012) (PDF: 103kb)
• Side-by-Side of Part C Regulations (1997) and IDEA Statutory Requirements (2004) on Transition (PDF: 41kb)
• OSEP Transition FAQ (December 2009) (PDF: 139kb) (posted 3/23/10)
• Synthesis of Key Points from the OSEP Early Childhood Transition FAQ (July 2010) (PDF: 414kb) (posted 8/11/10)
• OSEP Policy Letters
• Letter to NASDSE and ITCA on Transition FAQ and Related Resources (2/9/11) (PDF: 1855kb)
• Letter to Hirsh on Evaluations (8/9/05) (PDF: 183kb)
• Letter to Elder on Transition and Notification (2/11/04) (PDF: 340kb)

Transition Processes: Tools and Needs Assessments

• Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition Processes (March 2008) (PDF: 1247kb) was developed for TA organizations to support strategic planning efforts with states. It is a framework and tool for states to analyze their transition system infrastructure and systematically identify improvement strategies to improve local implementation of the transition requirements of the IDEA as well as support effective local infrastructures for effective transition practices. System components include:
• Component I - Content and Scope
• Component II - Interagency Structure
• Component III - Interagency Communication and Relationships
• Component IV - Interagency Agreements
• Component V - Policy Alignment and Congruence
• Component VI - Personnel Development, Staff Training and Resources
• Component VII - Data Systems and Processes
• Component VIII - Monitoring and Evaluation
• Overview of Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition Processes (March 2008) (PPT: 292kb) - This presentation provides information about the need for and background of the document as well as a brief overview of the contents.
• Early Childhood Transition Worksheet (2008) (DOC: 68kb) - lists the IDEA transition requirements and key infrastructure components in chart format. It can be used as a planning tool and discussion guide for identifying factors contributing to non-compliance and effective practices. It is a companion to the Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition Processes framework document.
• Self-Assessment for an Early Childhood Transition Infrastructure (September 2008) (PDF: 227kb) - This tool corresponds directly to the components and elements presented in the transition document and is intended to be used by state or local interagency teams to assess their current practices and identify improvement activities to enhance the infrastructure necessary to support successful transitions
• Early Childhood Transition Self-Assessment Form (March 2010) (DOC: 231kb) - This tool like the other self assessment references the document "Designing and Implementing Effective Transition Processes". This self assessment takes evidence statements from the document and is organized around the processes of interagency policies and practices, personnel development and training, roles and responsibilities, and strategies and practices.

Initiative Activities

• Individualized TA and Strategic Planning with States
• National Webinars
  
  • Research and State Performance (September 2007) (PPT: 1667kb)
  • National Early Childhood Transition Center Transition Webinar Series (July - December 2009)
  • Presentation with Utah (PPT: 4934kb) and WI (PPT: 1554kb) on Data Sharing Processes (January 2010)