N.J. Admin. Code § 8:17-11.1

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:17-11.1 - Procedures for implementation

(a) To ensure a smooth transition for children receiving services pursuant to Part C who are eligible for preschool under Part B or other appropriate services, are otherwise exiting the NJEIS, or are transitioning from one county within the State to another, the parents and the staff of both the sending and receiving agencies, as applicable, shall participate in the transition, in accordance with (b) through (e) below.

(b) The service coordinator shall ensure that the child's IFSP addresses planning for transition as follows:

1. The service coordinator shall facilitate transition beginning at least 12 months prior to the child's third birthday by holding a transition information session with the family and early intervention practitioners as agreed to by the family;

2. At the transition information session, the participants shall discuss options for community transitions, the process, where appropriate, to notify the local school district that the child may be eligible for special education, and preparation for a transition planning conference, including an opportunity for record review; and

3. If the child is between 24 to 35 months of age when determined eligible for IFSP services, the transition information session shall occur as part of the child's initial IFSP.

(c) The service coordinator, with parent consent, shall identify the child to the local school district when the child is between 24 and 32 months of age.

(d) With parental consent, the service coordinator, when appropriate, shall convene a conference with the appropriate early intervention practitioners, the family, and the local education agency to discuss any services the child may receive pursuant to Part B at 6A:14-3.5 and 3.6, which conference shall occur at least 90 days, and, at the discretion of all such parties, not more than nine months, prior to the child's eligibility pursuant to Part B at 6A:14-3.5 and 3.6, during which conference the participants at the meeting shall:

1. Review the child's program options for the period from the child's third birthday through the remainder of the school year consistent with N.J.A.C. 6A:14-10; and

2. Establish a transition plan, including, as appropriate, steps to exit from the program.

(e) When a child is, for any reason, not transitioning to preschool services under Part B, then, with the consent of the family, the service coordinator shall make reasonable efforts to convene a conference among the NJEIS, the family, and practitioners of any other appropriate services for children who are not eligible for preschool services pursuant to Part B, to discuss the appropriate services, if any, that the child may be eligible to receive.

(f) The Department shall promote collaboration among:

1. Early Head Start Programs established pursuant to §645A of the Head Start Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 9801 et seq.;

2. Early education and childcare programs; and

3. Services established pursuant to Part C.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:17-11.1