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There's a moment a lot of EI families describe the same way. Their child's third birthday is on the horizon, services are about to end, and someone hands them a packet about the IEP process. And the feeling isn't relief that they made it through early intervention. It's more like: wait, now what?
I hear this constantly from families. The transition out of early intervention is one of the most confusing moments in the whole therapy journey — and no one really prepares you for it. So let's talk about what actually happens in Connecticut.
The shift from IFSP to IEP
If your child has been in early intervention, they've been working off an IFSP — an Individualized Family Service Plan. It's built around your family and your routines, and services come to you, in your home or community.
At age 3, that changes. The IFSP gives way to an IEP — an Individualized Education Program. This is a federal shift under IDEA: your child moves from Part C (birth to 3) to Part B (ages 3 to 21), and the system that was centered on your family transitions to one centered on the school district.
How early intervention works in Connecticut
In Connecticut, early intervention is called the Birth to Three System, administered by the Office of Early Childhood. There are 19 Birth to Three programs across the state. To access services, families call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000. As your child approaches three, your Birth to Three service coordinator begins transition planning and initiates contact with your local school district.
What the transition process looks like
Your Birth to Three service coordinator sets up a transition conference with you and your local school district well before your child's third birthday — at least 90 days out by law. The school district then conducts a domain review to determine whether additional evaluations are needed before making an eligibility determination and developing an IEP.
The key word is "if." Some children who qualified for Birth to Three don't qualify for an IEP. If that happens, you're not without options — but you may need to look outside the school system.
What school-based services look like after the transition
Services shift to a school or center-based setting. Connecticut updated its IEP form in 2022, and all districts are required to use the new format. Session frequency is often lower than what you had in Birth to Three, and the focus moves from family routines to school readiness.
What happens if your child doesn't qualify, or if the services aren't enough
The IEP process is not the end of the road. At Coral Care, we work with Connecticut families who are bridging the gap, supplementing an IEP, or continuing in-home therapy as their primary service.
A few things to know before the transition meeting
You are an equal partner in the IEP process. You can request an independent evaluation if you disagree with the school's findings. If your child qualifies but the proposed services feel insufficient, you don't have to sign the IEP as written. Keep copies of everything — every evaluation, every IFSP, every progress note.
The birthday doesn't have to be a cliff
The third birthday is a transition, not an ending. If you're approaching this in Connecticut and you're not sure what to do next, we're here to help.
Continue Your Child's Care with Coral Care →
Frequently asked questions
What happens when Connecticut Birth to Three services end?
Birth to Three services end on your child's third birthday. Your service coordinator initiates a transition to your local school district, which evaluates your child for special education eligibility. If they qualify, an IEP is put in place. If not, or if you want more support than the IEP offers, private in-home therapy is available.
How do I contact Connecticut Birth to Three?
Call the Child Development Infoline at 1-800-505-7000. They can connect you with the Birth to Three program serving your area. There are 19 programs across the state.
What is a domain review in Connecticut's EI transition process?
After the transition conference, the school district conducts a domain review — a structured process to determine whether existing evaluations are sufficient or whether new assessments are needed before making an eligibility determination. You'll be asked to sign consent for any additional evaluations.
Does my child automatically qualify for an IEP after Connecticut Birth to Three?
No. Birth to Three eligibility doesn't carry over. The school district evaluates your child under different criteria, and some children who received Birth to Three services won't qualify for school-based special education. If your child doesn't qualify, private therapy remains an option.
Can my child get in-home therapy in Connecticut after Birth to Three ends?
Yes. Coral Care provides in-home speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children across Connecticut. Many families use it to bridge the gap after Birth to Three ends, supplement school-based services, or as a primary option when an IEP isn't available or sufficient.
