Early Intervention Is Ending. Here's What Happens to Your Child's Services at Age 3.
Early Start — California's early intervention program — ends on your child's third birthday. The services don't have to end with it. At age 3, responsibility shifts to the school district for special education services, and Regional Center may continue providing services if your child meets eligibility under the Lanterman Act. Planning ahead, ideally starting several months before the birthday, is what keeps services continuous.
What Early Start Is and When It Ends
Early Start is California's early intervention program for children under 3 who have developmental delays or are at risk for a developmental disability. It is governed by Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and coordinated through Regional Centers statewide.
Early Start services — which may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, service coordination, and family support — end on the child's third birthday. There is no automatic extension. The transition must be planned.
What the Transition Planning Process Looks Like
Federal and state law require that transition planning begin no later than when a child reaches age 2 years and 9 months — 90 days before the third birthday. In practice, many Regional Centers begin the conversation earlier, often around 6 months before the birthday.
Your service coordinator is responsible for scheduling a transition meeting. At that meeting, the team will discuss options for services after age 3, including school district special education services, continued Regional Center services under the Lanterman Act, or both. The referral to the school district must happen in time for assessments to be completed and an IEP implemented by the child's third birthday.
Write down the date of your first transition planning conversation. If you have not heard from your service coordinator as your child approaches age 2 years 9 months, contact them directly and ask for a transition meeting.
School District Services After Age 3
Once your child turns 3, the school district of residence becomes the primary provider of special education services. For children who qualify, an Individualized Education Program replaces the IFSP. The school district must complete its assessment and have an IEP in place by the child's third birthday.
Under California Education Code, once a referral is made, the district must send parents an assessment plan within 15 calendar days. After parents consent to the assessment, the district has 60 calendar days to complete the assessment and hold an IEP eligibility meeting.
The IEP covers educational placement, services, goals, and accommodations. Services may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, behavioral support, and specialized instruction depending on the child's needs.
Regional Center Services After Age 3
Some children continue to receive Regional Center services after age 3 under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act — but this requires a separate eligibility determination. Early Start eligibility does not automatically carry over.
To remain eligible, your child must have a qualifying developmental disability as defined in California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 4512 — including autism, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, or a closely related condition — and the disability must result in substantial functional limitations in at least three areas of daily life.
Children who do not meet full Lanterman eligibility at age 3 may qualify for provisional eligibility, which allows services to continue until age 5. If your Regional Center determines your child is not eligible for continued services, ask specifically whether provisional eligibility applies before the birthday.
What Happens If Planning Doesn't Happen in Time
If the transition is not planned and the IEP is not in place by the child's third birthday, there can be a gap in services. Early Start ends on the birthday regardless. The school district's obligation to provide services under an IEP begins once the child is found eligible — but the assessment process takes time.
Starting the conversation with your service coordinator early, following up in writing, and tracking the timelines are the practical steps that prevent a gap.
A Note on Timing
Transition timelines and available services are subject to budget decisions at the state and federal level. The process described here reflects how the system currently operates. Confirm current timelines and service options directly with your Regional Center and school district, as these can change.
Your Next Step
Contact your Regional Center service coordinator and ask when your child's transition planning meeting will be scheduled. If your child is already 2 years and 9 months or older and you have not had this conversation, request it now in writing.
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