Department of Early Learning

Supporting a Smooth Transition From Early Steps to Leon County Schools Pre-K 

Leon County Schools partners with Early Steps and community agencies to ensure young children who receive Part C early intervention services experience a smooth transition into Pre-K Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services when they turn three years old. 

This process is guided by federal requirements under IDEA and by our local Interagency Agreement, which outlines shared responsibilities, timelines, and procedures. 

Our goal is to help families feel supported, informed, and confident throughout this transition. 

 

Who Early Steps Transition Is For 

This process applies to: 

• Children receiving Early Steps (Part C) services 

• Children who may qualify for school district Pre-K ESE (Part B) services at age three 

• Families who want support understanding their options for Pre-K 

 

Early Steps transition ensures there should be no break in services when a child moves from the birth-to-three system into preschool services. 

 

When Transition Planning Begins 

Transition planning typically begins when a child is between: 

27–33 months old 

During this period, the Early Steps Service Coordinator meets with the family to: 

• Discuss future service options 

• Review the child’s current progress 

• Explain the transition timeline 

• Plan next steps, including the Transition Conference 

 

Early Steps Notification to LCS 

Early Steps is required to notify Leon County Schools when a child: 

• Is 27 months old, 

• Is eligible for Part C services, and 

• Will soon reach the age for preschool Part B services 

This helps the district prepare for upcoming evaluations and staffing meetings. 

Families may opt out of this notification, and Early Steps provides written information about that option. 

 

The Transition Conference 

A Transition Conference must be held: 

At least 90 days — and up to 9 months — before the child’s 3rd birthday. 

 

At this meeting: 

• Families meet with Early Steps and Leon County Schools staff 

• The child’s developmental progress, evaluations, and needs are reviewed 

• Next steps for district evaluation are explained 

• Families can ask questions and share concerns 

• Referral paperwork may be completed 

Documents typically shared (with parent consent) include: 

• IFSP 

• Recent evaluations (OT, PT, speech, developmental) 

• Hearing and vision results 

• Referral forms 
   

Referral to Leon County Schools 

If the family wishes to pursue Pre-K ESE services: 

• The Early Steps Service Coordinator sends a Transition Referral Packet to LCS 

• This must be completed by 33 months of age 

• The district then schedules evaluations as needed 

 

The referral packet may include (with written consent): 

• Screening and evaluation results 

• IFSP documents 

• Demographic information 

• Hearing/vision results 
   

District Evaluations & Eligibility 

Leon County Schools reviews all submitted documents and determines whether additional evaluations are needed. These may include: 

• Speech and/or language 

• Occupational therapy 

• Physical therapy 

• Cognitive or developmental assessments 

• Vision and hearing screenings 

 

If the child meets criteria under IDEA for a preschool disability, the IEP team is convened. 

 

The school district is responsible for: 

Completing eligibility and developing an IEP by the child’s 3rd birthday. 

 

The IEP Meeting 

If eligible: 

• An Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is created before the child turns three 

• Services may begin on the child’s 3rd birthday or the first day of school, depending on the date of birth 

• Families provide consent before services begin 

 

Services may include: 

• Specialized instruction 

• Speech and language therapy 

• Occupational therapy 

• Physical therapy 

• Behavioral or social–emotional supports 

 

Special Considerations 

Summer Birthdays 

Children who turn three in June, July, or August will have services begin on the first day of school, even though the IEP is developed by the third birthday. 
 

Late Referrals 

Children referred to Early Steps fewer than 45 days before their 3rd birthday are referred directly to LCS Child Find. Early Steps is not required to complete evaluations for late referrals. 
 

Your Role as a Family 

Throughout the transition process, families are encouraged to: 

• Attend the Transition Conference 

• Share information about their child 

• Ask questions 

• Participate in the evaluation process 

• Review the proposed IEP 

Family participation is considered essential to a smooth and successful transition process. 
 

Questions or Support 

The Leon County Schools Department of Early Learning is here to help families understand the transition process and what to expect next. 

Contact Early Childhood Team 
Email: Earlychildhood@leonschools.net 
Phone: 850-922-2099