The age-3 transition has a clear path through it. Here’s what it looks like for California families.
Early Start ends at 3, but services don’t have to. At 3, your child may move into the school district’s special education program, Regional Center services under the Lanterman Act, or both. Knowing what to ask for, and when, is what keeps services continuous.
Access Navigator walks you through what the transition looks like and what your family needs to do next.
How we’ll map the transition and what to do first
Access Navigator is a free tool that helps you understand what happens at the age-3 transition and what your family needs to do before your child’s birthday. Tell it about your child’s situation, their diagnosis, current services, and where you are in the process, and it will walk you through what school district evaluation rights you have, what Regional Center eligibility looks like after Early Start, and what timelines to watch.
If you have your child’s current IFSP or any Early Start documentation, you can upload it during the conversation. The tool will help you understand what it says and what questions to bring to transition meetings.
Know your way forward. See your next step.
Free. Private. 10 minutes.
Want to understand this process before you start? Read our guides ›