School Age 3+ Can my child start public school at 3 years old?

So you have received Early Intervention Services and they tell you "You're child will age out when they turn 3. After that, everything transfers to the school district". What does this mean? Does that mean I don't get in home support anymore? What can the school offer? Will my child be going to school full time?

There are many contingencies to what happens next. So, these are not easy questions to answer. But what I CAN tell you, is if you are concerned that there is a reason why your child isn't talking or playing like other kids their age. Go see your Doctor and ASK for evaluations. Its YOUR job to ADVOCATE for your child, because they cant.

After a child receives services from the Regional Center of Orange County, once they turn 3, those services (behavioral, speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, medical) transition to the school district. Meaning, the school district your child is assigned to, is responsible for the evaluations, determining eligibility, and providing the services your child is eligible for. These services will only be awarded if the needs of your child impact their ability to access their education. Outside of that, mostly behaviors that happen at home and in the community, are left for the responsibility of the caregivers. WHAT?

Unless your child receives a diagnosis, behavioral support is limited. WHY? What kind of diagnosis? For most states, not all, ABA services are covered by insurance if your child has a diagnosis of Autism. Some also allow ABA services to be covered by insurance if your child receives a diagnosis such as Down Syndrome or a Genetic Condition that causes Intellectual Disability. And only a few states allow a Doctor to "prescribe" ABA as treatment for other co-morbidities (depression, anxiety, OCD, ODD, ADHD). Need help figuring out what services are available in your state?