Center for Family Involvement

Partnership for People with Disabilities

Military Families of Exceptional Family Members Birth to 5 years

THINGS TO KNOW WHEN MOVING TO VIRGINIA

!! IMPORTANT TO KNOW !!

Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are not covered by the Military Children's Compact Commission (MIC3).

EARLY INTERVENTION (EI)

Early Intervention (EI) in Virginia is for children from **birth to age two inclusive**.

  • EI is required under **Part C** of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which is the federal special education law.
  • Part C of IDEA provides the regulations each state must follow for infants and toddlers.

Who to Contact:

Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia (ITC) is the agency that provides EI services in Virginia. Visit ITC of Virginia to find your local agency.

Transferring when child enrolled in EI:

Bring any evaluations and Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) from the previous state. IFSPs do not transfer; however, the IFSP and other information you provide can be helpful.

!! Important to Know !!

In Virginia, children who are **three or older are not eligible for EI services**.

If your child is three or older and currently has an IFSP through Extended Part C in another state, you will need to contact your local Virginia school division to make a referral for an evaluation to determine eligibility for **Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)**.

EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION (ECSE) IN VIRGINIA

  1. Preschool-aged children from **age two** (whose birthday falls on or before September 30) through **age five inclusive** with a disability may be eligible for ECSE services.
  2. Parents can choose to transition their child to ECSE as early as age two or remain in EI until the day prior to their child's third birthday.

Who to Contact:

Contact your local school division Early Childhood Special Education/Preschool or Special Education Liaison to make a referral. Find your local school contact.

Transferring with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP):

When you have an IEP from another state, the new school can either **adopt and use the IEP** from the previous school with your consent **OR** **conduct an evaluation and develop a new IEP** with your consent.

  • During the evaluation period, your child will receive those services in your child's most recent IEP, excluding sections of the IEP that are inconsistent with the new state's law.
  • The school is required to consult with you and ensure that your child receives services comparable to what was received at their previous school.

RESOURCES: