Early Childhood Transitions

Adult with Kid

When Your Child Turns 3: Transitioning to Pre-School

When your child turns 3, their Early Support for Infant and Toddlers services end. At that point, new services and supports may be available through preschool special education services.

Your Family Resources Coordinator will help you connect with your local school district to determine if your child qualifies for preschool special education services and supports.

Resources
Transition Next Steps: What to Expect
Supporting School Access 

 

When Your Child Turns 4: Renewing DDA Eligibility

ESIT and DDA share the same eligibility requirements for children from birth through age 3. This means that babies and toddlers enrolled in ESIT services are also enrolled in DDA through age 3. DDA requires a re-determination of eligibility before your child’s 4th birthday.

To qualify for DDA services at ages 4 to 20, your child must have either:

  • Developmental delays in three or more areas; or
  • A qualifying diagnosis and evidence of substantial limitation. 

Learn more about Eligible Conditions Specific to Age and Type of Evidence (wa.gov).

 

Eligibility Action Step:

  • If your child is enrolled in ESIT services, you should receive a notice six months before your child’s 4th birthday informing you about the DDA re-determination requirement. Please follow instructions in the notice for getting a re-determination of eligibility.
  • If your child is not enrolled in ESIT, you can reach out to our Intake and Eligibility specialists at any time for information and support with the DDA Intake and Eligibility process. 

School Records and DDA’s Eligibility Process 

  • Information included in special education evaluations and other school records is often helpful in determining whether your child meets DDA eligibility requirements. If you want your school district to be able share a copy of your child’s educational evaluation directly with DDA, you can complete a consent to release information form at the ESIT to preschool special education transition planning meeting.
  • With your consent, DDA Intake and Eligibility staff can also assist you in gathering information from schools, medical providers and others to support a new application or a re-determination of DDA eligibility.