Around your child’s third birthday, services move from Early Intervention to the school district. This ‘age-3 transition’ is a big step — here’s how to navigate it smoothly.
What changes at age 3
Early Intervention (birth to 3) is run through the state health system; at age 3, eligibility for ongoing services is determined by your local school district’s Child Study Team under special-education law. Services may look different — often a preschool program with an IEP instead of in-home Early Intervention. The transition is planned months ahead, with a transition meeting.
Staying supported through the change
Transitions can create gaps, so it helps to stay organized, ask questions early, and keep records. Importantly, ABA therapy can continue year-round regardless of the school transition — providing consistency for your child. Confirm specifics with your EI coordinator and district. Related: NJ Preschool Disabilities program and school evaluations.
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What is the Early Intervention to preschool transition?
Around age 3, responsibility for services shifts from Early Intervention to the school district's Child Study Team. Services often change from in-home EI to a preschool program with an IEP. The transition is planned in advance with a meeting.
Will my child lose services during the transition?
The process is designed to avoid gaps, and planning ahead helps. ABA therapy can also continue year-round regardless of the school transition, providing consistency for your child.
This page is general educational information, not medical advice. Every child is different — a BCBA can assess your child’s specific needs. Autumn ABA serves families in all 21 NJ counties; see where we provide ABA therapy.