Coral Care content is reviewed and approved by our clinical professionals so you you know you're getting verified advice.
Find effective support for developmental delays, quickly.
Concerned about your child's development?
Our free screener offers guidance and connects you with the right providers to support your child's journey.
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 Massachusetts.
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.
That's not a criticism of either system. They're just built for different purposes. But it's important to understand what's changing, because the gap between the two is where a lot of families get lost.
How early intervention works in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, early intervention is administered through the Department of Public Health. Your child's EI program coordinates directly with your local school district — referral typically happens when your child is around two and a half. The school district then has 30 school days to evaluate your child and 45 school days from the time you give consent to hold a Team meeting and develop an IEP, if eligible.
What the transition process looks like
In Massachusetts, this is called a Transition Planning Conference, or TPC. It includes you, your EI team, and a representative from your local school district. By law, it must happen at least 90 days before your child's third birthday. The goal is to review what your child has been receiving, discuss what comes next, and make sure the IEP — if your child qualifies — is in place by their third birthday.
The key word is "if." Eligibility for school-based services is evaluated differently than EI eligibility, and some children who qualified for EI don't qualify for an IEP.
What school-based services look like after the transition
Services shift to a school or center-based setting. The home visits, the therapist who knew your kitchen floor and your child's favorite toys — that model changes. Session frequency is often lower. The focus moves from family routines to school readiness.
And for families who've seen how much their child responds to therapy in their natural environment — at home, where they're most regulated and most themselves — it can feel like a step backward even when it's technically a step forward.
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. It's one path. If your child doesn't qualify, or if the school-based services aren't meeting their needs, private in-home therapy is available. At Coral Care, we work with 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 Team meeting
In Massachusetts, the IEP team is called a Team (capital T). You are an equal partner — not a passive recipient. You can ask questions, push back, and request changes. You can request an independent evaluation if you disagree with the school's findings. And if your child qualifies but you feel the proposed services are insufficient, you don't have to sign the IEP as written.
Keep copies of everything. Every evaluation, every IFSP, every progress note. That documentation matters.
The birthday doesn't have to be a cliff
The third birthday is a transition, not an ending. If you're approaching this in Massachusetts 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 early intervention ends in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts EI services end on your child's third birthday. Before that, your EI program refers your child to your local school district, which evaluates them for special education eligibility. If they qualify, an IEP is developed. If not — or if you want more than the IEP provides — private in-home therapy is an option.
What is a Transition Planning Conference (TPC) in Massachusetts?
A TPC is the required meeting between your EI team, the school district, and you that kicks off the age-3 transition. It must happen at least 90 days before your child's third birthday. At the TPC, the team reviews your child's current services and sets the timeline for evaluation and IEP development.
Does my child automatically qualify for an IEP after Massachusetts EI?
No. Massachusetts school districts use different eligibility criteria than the EI program. Many children who received EI services don't qualify for a school-based IEP, particularly if they've made strong progress. If your child doesn't qualify, private therapy remains an option.
How long does the school district have to evaluate my child in Massachusetts?
Once you give consent, the school district has 30 school days to complete the evaluation and 45 school days to hold the Team meeting and develop an IEP if your child is found eligible.
Can I get private in-home therapy for my child in Massachusetts after EI ends?
Yes. Coral Care provides in-home speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children across Massachusetts. Many families use private in-home therapy to bridge the gap after EI, supplement an IEP, or as their primary therapy option.
