Building Better Bridges

Abstract

Infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth to 2 years) and their families receive services under IDEA Part C, and children and youth with disabilities (ages 3–21 years) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B. IDEA mandates the provision of opportunities for parent involvement in early intervention (Part C), preschool special education (Part B), and transition between the two (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA], 2004). Despite the emphasis in federal law on collaboration with families and communicating information to them, parents do not feel well supported during the transition period (Douglas, Meadan, & Schultheiss, 2022). The limited research on this transition shows that primary caregivers lack understanding of how their roles change during this transition period. The authors of the current study conducted four focus groups to evaluate the perceptions of parents, early interventionists, and preschool special educators, all from predominantly minority populations, regarding the transition process for early intervention to preschool for young children with disabilities. Primary themes were identified: (1) lost in transition, (2) restricted choices lead to restrictive placements, and (3) discontinuity. These challenges are discussed and recommendations are provided.