Background
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). An analysis
of state performance on the transition compliance indicators as reported in their FFY 05 -06
Annual Performance Reports (APR) demonstrated a need for system improvement and
enhancement.
Purpose
The 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.
Collaborative Partners
The National Early Childhood Transition Initiative represents a collaborative technical assistance
effort of OSEP,
the Regional Resource and Federal Center Network (RRFC),
the National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (NECTAC),
the National Early Childhood Transition Center (NECTC)
and the Data Accountability Center (DAC).
Representatives from each of the partners participate on a steering committee that holds monthly
conference calls to plan TA activities, network and share resources on transition across agencies.
Products
- Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition Processes (March 2008)
(PDF: 903kb)
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.
- 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
(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
- Side-by-Side
of Part C Regulations (1997) and IDEA Statutory Requirements (2004) on Transition
(PDF: 41kb)
- Early Childhood Part C and Part B Requirements Related to Transition Activities/Timelines
- Transition Timeline Flow Chart
(PDF: 118kb) - illustrates IDEA
transition activities and APR Indicator C8 requirements as they relate to Indicator B12
requirements.
- Transition
Initiative and Transition Processes Powerpoint presentation (March 2008)
(PPT: 973kb) -
This powerpoint provides an overview of the IDEA requirements for Part C and Part B impacting transition and Annual Performance Reports. This training resource can be used as a legal reference with the Designing and Implementing Effective Early Childhood Transition
Processes framework document.
- Chart
with Requirements by Transition Steps
(PDF: 232kb) -
presents Part C and Part B early childhood transition requirements organized by specific
transition activities (e.g., notification, IFSP transition steps, transition conference, Part B
evaluation/eligibility determination, and IEP development and implementation.)
Technical Assistance Activities
- Intensive TA and Strategic Planning Initiated with States
Each year a cohort of states has the opportunity to receive individualized TA by a collaborative technical assistance team. The purpose of the TA is to develop and implement improvement strategies and a plan for addressing early childhood transition.
- National Webinars
- Regional Meetings
- Mid-South Regional Resource Center and NECTAC - Richmond, VA (March 4-7, 2008)
- Western Regional Resource Center and NECTAC - San Francisco, CA (March 26-27, 2008)
- North Central Regional Resource Center and ECO, NECTAC and DAC - Grand Rapids, MI (May 28 - 29, 2008)
- Northeast Regional Resource Center and NECTAC - Albany, NY (June 2-3, 2008)
- Mountain Plains Regional Resource Center and NECTAC - Salt Lake City, UT (July 8 - 10, 2008)
- Southeast Regional Resource Center and NECTAC - Tampa, FL (October 14-15, 2008)