(FACTS/LRE grants permission for photocopying of this handout.)
First Steps agency gives family formal written information about transition
process and rights.
(NOTE: First Steps is the name the State of Indiana has adopted for its local
councils of service providers and families of young children. First Steps is part
of a larger initiative for children from birth through adolescence, referred to as Step
Ahead.)
Transition Plans are written into IFSP by family and First Steps agency.
Family will sign the "Consent to Release of Information" forms for release of
any information appropriate for public school or other receiving agency.
Family may send to public school, or other receiving agency, any information or records
from sources other than the receiving agency (i.e., medical records, vision/hearing
status).
First Steps agency sends to the public school district or receiving agency its records
and a copy of the birth certificate as well as immunization records of the child.
The public school district personnel may attend a meeting with the family on transition.
Families may visit preschool programs in their school district.
Public school staff reviews records received and determines the need for any additional
evaluation. If evaluation is needed, the public school will schedule with the parent.
The case conference with the public school district is scheduled when all evaluations
are completed.
Eligibility and service delivery are determined at the case conference.
Parent/guardian signs the permission for special education placement in public school.
Public school programs begin at the child's third birthday.
The First Steps agency will do a follow-up contact with the parent/guardian.
-- Marion County First Steps Council, Indianapolis, Indiana
