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.
What Happens When Early Intervention Ends at Age 3
If your child has been receiving Early Intervention services and their third birthday is approaching, you're probably starting to feel a mix of anxiety and urgency: what happens now?
Services do not automatically continue. The public school system is not a seamless hand-off. Many families who don't know what to expect find themselves in a gap where their child's therapy stops entirely.
Why Early Intervention Ends at Age 3
Early Intervention is a federal program under Part C of IDEA, designed for children from birth through age 2 years, 11 months. At age three, services shift to Part B — which governs special education for children 3-21 — and responsibility moves from your state's EI program to your local school district.
The IFSP to IEP Transition
The transition process should begin at least 90 days before your child's third birthday and includes a transition conference, a new school district evaluation, and, if eligible, development of an IEP. Critical point: the school uses different eligibility criteria than EI. A child who qualified for EI does not automatically qualify for school-based services.
What If My Child Doesn't Qualify?
This is more common than parents expect. If your child doesn't qualify or the services offered are less frequent than needed, private therapy is the most direct option — continuing EI's work with scheduling flexibility, in-home sessions, and the ability to choose your therapist.
The Gap Problem
Even for children who qualify for school-based services, there is often a gap between when EI ends and when new services start. Many families use private therapy to bridge this gap so there is no interruption in care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my child automatically get an IEP when Early Intervention ends?
No. Your child must separately qualify under Part B eligibility criteria, which many EI children do not meet — particularly if they've made significant progress.
Can I get private therapy and school-based therapy at the same time?
Yes. School-based therapy and private therapy are not mutually exclusive.
