Early Intervention Index

My Child is 3 or younger

Children from birth to age 3 are eligible for the Early Intervention program if they are diagnosed with a disability or have a developmental delay.

Preschool Children with Disabilities (Ages 3-5)

If your child is receiving Early Intervention services, your service coordinator will assist you with transition planning and making a referral to move your child from the Early Intervention Program to your school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE). This process will take place shortly before your child's third birthday. At that time, the CPSE will determine whether your child still needs special education services.

If your preschool-age child (3-5 years old) did not receive Early Intervention services as an infant or toddler, but has some delays or lags in development such as difficulty in talking, moving around, thinking, or learning or is facing physical or behavioral challenges - you, or professionals who know your child, may make a referral to the chairperson of your school district's Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), who will assist you in completing the referral process.

Children Ages Five and Older

School-age children, ages 5 and older, who are suspected of having a disability are referred to the Committee on Special Education (CSE). The Committee arranges for an evaluation of the childís abilities and needs. Based on the results of the evaluation, the Committee decides if the child is eligible to receive special education services and programs. If the child is eligible to receive special education services, the Committee develops and implements an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP), based on evaluation results, to meet the needs of the child. Based on the IEP, the Committee must determine the child's placement, to make sure that services are provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The child must be placed in a school that is as close as possible to his home, and unless the child's IEP requires some other arrangement, the student must be educated in the school he or she would have attended if not disabled.

The IEP is reviewed and, if needed, modified or revised by the Committee at least once a year (annual review). The student has a reevaluation at least once every three years, to review his need for special education programs and services and to revise the IEP, as appropriate. A reevaluation may also occur when conditions have changed or when requested by a parent or teacher. Parents are an important part of the special education process, and your involvement is encouraged.