Transition from Birth, to Three, to MPS
Transition from Birth to Three to Madison Public Schools
For children currently receiving Birth to Three services, Madison Public Schools collaborates closely with Birth to Three providers to ensure a smooth and timely transition to school-based services. Prior to a child's third birthday, a series of transition activities take place in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
As part of this process, Madison Public Schools coordinates with Birth to Three staff to schedule transition meetings that include both service providers and families. These meetings are designed to discuss the child’s current progress and plan next steps.
Following the transition meeting, the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) will convene to determine whether formal evaluations are necessary to assess the child’s eligibility for special education services under IDEA. If evaluations are warranted, they are conducted prior to the child’s third birthday, allowing sufficient time for review and decision-making.
If a child is found eligible for school-based special education services, they may begin receiving those services on or shortly after their third birthday, depending on their individual needs and readiness. Entry into the program can occur at any point during the school year once eligibility has been determined.
Madison Public Schools is committed to supporting families through this important transition and ensuring each child receives the services they need to thrive in a preschool setting.
Preschool Special Education Services
If you believe your child may have a disability or developmental delay, Madison Public Schools is here to support you. We are committed to identifying and addressing the needs of all learners as early as possible.
One of the most effective ways to begin this process is through our Child Find screening. Child Find is a proactive program designed to identify children who may require special education services. Screenings are available for Madison residents and focus on areas such as speech and language, motor development, behavior, and more.
More information about the Child Find process, including screening dates and how to schedule an appointment, can be found here:
In addition to participating in a screening, families are encouraged to reach out at any time with concerns about their child’s development. Whether your child is already receiving services or you are just beginning to ask questions, we are here to help guide you through the process.
If you have questions about special education laws and procedures, please find A Parent’s Guide to Special Education - chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/special-education/parents_guide_se.pdf and Connecticut Procedural Safeguards:chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sde/special-education/prosaf.pdf
To speak with someone directly, please contact:
Dr. Elizabeth Battaglia
Director of Special Education
📞 203-245-6340
📧 battaglia.elizabeth@madisonps.org
We look forward to working in partnership with you to support your child’s growth and success.