This resource presents frequently asked questions about the early childhood transition process, and provides brief answers that summarize federal requirements and OSEP guidance.

View more on the ECTA website.

Roles and Responsibilities

• RR1. Where do the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) regulations or official guidance specify that the parent email address be included in the transition notification to the state educational agency (SEA) and local educational agency (LEA)?
• RR2. What is a reasonable interpretation of “timely” as related to early childhood transition processes?
• RR3. In States with an approved transition notification opt-out policy, what are Part B’s responsibilities when an SEA and LEA receive a Part C transition notification, also considered an initial referral? This is in regard to a child potentially eligible for Part B services, whose parent had verbally informed the service coordinator that they did not wish to pursue a referral to Part B, but did not opt-out of the transition notification, initial referral, in writing?
• RR4. What initiates Part B responsibilities and corresponding timelines during the early childhood transition process?
• RR5. What are the requirements for a state’s transition notification opt-out policy? Include the time period when families may object to the intended transition notification disclosure or when they may reconsider a prior decision to disclose information to the SEA and appropriate LEA.

View the FAQ on the ECTA website.

Published April 2026.