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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 Virginia.
The shift from IFSP to IEP
In Virginia, early intervention is delivered through the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITCVA), a network of 40 local systems managed by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS). Each local system serves specific cities and counties. Transition planning is built into the IFSP from the start.
What the transition process looks like
Your ITCVA service coordinator initiates transition planning well before your child's third birthday, working with you and your local school division (Virginia's term for school district). With your consent, evaluations are conducted and the school division determines Part B eligibility. If eligible, an IEP must be in place by the third birthday. Virginia's Department of Education and DBHDS have joint guidance specifically focused on making this transition smooth for families.
The key word is "if." Some children who qualified for EI don't qualify for an IEP. Your coordinator can connect you to community-based options if that happens.
What school-based services look like after the transition
Services shift to a school or center-based setting. Session frequency is often lower. The focus moves from family routines to school readiness. Virginia's Child Find process means school divisions are actively seeking out children who may be eligible — you don't have to navigate this entirely alone.
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 Virginia families who are bridging the gap, supplementing an IEP, or continuing in-home therapy as their primary service.
A few things to know
You are an equal partner in the IEP process. You can request an independent evaluation if you disagree with the school's findings. If 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 Virginia 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 is the Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia?
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITCVA) is Virginia's early intervention system for children birth to age 3. It's made up of 40 local programs across the state, each serving specific cities and counties. Services are provided in your home or community and are available regardless of your family's income.
What happens when ITCVA services end at age 3?
ITCVA services end at your child's third birthday. Your service coordinator will have been working with you on a transition plan well before that date. With your consent, they connect you with your local school division for a Part B eligibility evaluation. If eligible, an IEP is developed and services begin by the third birthday.
Does my child automatically qualify for an IEP after Virginia EI?
No. Virginia school divisions use different eligibility criteria than the ITCVA. Not all children who received EI services will qualify for preschool special education. If your child doesn't qualify, your ITCVA coordinator can help connect you to community and private therapy options.
What is Child Find in Virginia?
Child Find is a federal requirement under IDEA that obligates Virginia school divisions to actively identify children who may be eligible for special education services. This means you don't have to wait for a referral — you can contact your local school division directly and ask for an evaluation at any time.
Can my child get in-home therapy in Virginia after EI ends?
Yes. Coral Care provides in-home speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy for children across Virginia. Many families use in-home therapy to bridge the gap after ITCVA ends, supplement their child's IEP, or continue the home-based model they found effective in early intervention.
