TIMELINE:
3-14 Years Old
WELCOME TO SCHOOL.
Transitioning into the school system can be exciting, but frequently offers new, unexpected challenges. Here are some things to think about.
IN BRIEF
You are entering a period of growth and change for both you and your child. For many parents, the first major transition will be from early intervention services, which are home-based and family-centered, to an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) deigned for your child to succeed in a classroom environment.
It is critical to work with educators and service providers to set measurable goals and objectives for your child. Integrated public schools and some private schools will support your child's IEP by building time for your child to work with specialists in their school day, while developing a social network and being included in everyday life at school.
The importance of gaining the knowledge and skills needed to understand your role and rights in the process and to most effectively advocate for your child cannot be overstated.
Source: The Special Needs Planning Guide, How to Prepare for Every Stage of Your Child's Life, Haddad/Nadworny, 2021, Brookes Publishing.
Learn as much as possible
Build and maintain relationships
Register with emergency services
Get to know state laws on public education
Gather and share information
Revisit your budget
Advocates can help
Review your wealth plan and estate plan
Key Takeaway
The transition to school is a very important period. After a child reaches age three, the school system is responsible for offering educational and related services. If a child has special health care needs, such as a chronic illness, a disabling condition, or a frequent need for medical technology, check out eligibility for your state’s program that is based on the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982 (TEFRA) or its Special Health Care Needs Program, informally referred to as the “Katie Beckett” Waiver. Early Intervention staff will be of great assistance in exploring such options, as well as helping with the transition to school.
Once you have these pieces in place, we encourage you to begin building out a plan that will carry on and help your loved one with a disability feel fully supported and secure. Download Sequoia's Letter of Intent document to organize this information.
TIMELINE RESOURCE PAGES
RESOURCES
Check out the Knowledge Bank—with our compliments!
We are committed to sharing free educational resources with all members of the disability community. Our Knowledge Bank has a catalog of information, along with downloadable checklists and tools, to help you. We also publish the Special Needs Planning Blog to keep our followers up to date with relevant information and events.