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Early Intervention Colorado | EI Families | Transitions the extended part c option

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Colorado’s Early Intervention (EI) program provides supports and services to children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families from birth until the child’s third birthday. EI can help families learn ways to support and promote their child’s development within their everyday routines and activities.

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Colorado Dept. of Education ECSE Resources

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Colorado Dept. of Education ECSE Resources

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Early Childhood Special Education Resources and Guidance | CDE

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Jeffco Early Childhood Special Education Services

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Jeffco Early Childhood Special Education Services

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Early Childhood Special Education Services - Jeffco Public Schools

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Early Childhood Special Education Services - Jeffco Public Schools

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Home - Gilpin County School District RE-1

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Home - Gilpin County School District RE-1

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It is the mission of the Gilpin County RE-1 School District
to provide a positive, caring culture in a safe environment
that is focused on academic excellence.

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About Child Find for Children Ages 3 Through 5 Years Old

Child Find for children ages 3 through 5 years old is part of Colorado's system for identifying children suspected of having a delay in development as early as possible. If a young child is not meeting typical developmental milestones, or someone is concerned about the child's growth or learning, a referral can be made to Child Find. Starting at age three, the public school system (school districts and/or Boards of Cooperative Educational Services) has responsibility for the Child Find process and will work with the family about their concerns, with a focus on meeting the child's educational needs. Next steps could include collecting information from families and from previous developmental screenings, conducting a screening, and/or if the child is suspected of having an educational disability completing an evaluation. The purpose of the process is to determine if there is an educational disability that requires special education and related services for the child to make progress in preschool. Child Find is provided at no cost to families.

Referrals

For concerns and referrals for children birth to 3 years old please go to Early Intervention Colorado.

Preschool children 3 through 5 years old are screened and/or evaluated as a part of the preschool special education process.

Developing a Plan

If a Child Find evaluation team, which includes the parents, has gathered enough information to determine a child meets eligibility criteria for preschool special education services, an Individual Education Program (IEP) is developed. Preschool special education services for children 3 through 5 years old are provided by local school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in inclusive preschool classrooms.

Who do I contact?

Reach out to the CDE Early Childhood Special Education and Child Find Contacts with questions.

Special Education in Preschool

Special education services for children ages 3 through 5 years old are provided by local school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in inclusive preschool classrooms. Early childhood services and resources are designed to support the individual and unique educational needs of young children. Learn more about Early Childhood Special Education Services.

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Child Find for Children Ages 3 Through 5 Years Old | CDE

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Child Find for children ages 3 through 5 years old is part of Colorado’s system for identifying children suspected of having a delay in development as early as possible. If a young child is not meeting typical developmental milestones, or someone is concerned about the child’s growth or learning, a…

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Universal Preschool Colorado | Colorado Department of Early Childhood

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In the 2022 Legislative Session, HB22-1295 established the Colorado Universal Preschool Program to offer voluntary, high-quality universal preschool to every Colorado child in the year before kindergarten. The Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) is charged with operating the program to enable families to choose from a mixed-delivery system of high-quality preschool settings, including licensed community-based programs, school-based programs, and licensed home providers. High-quality preschool has demonstrated positive outcomes for children and families in the short and long-term.

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CDE- Parent/Families of Child w/ Disability

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CDE- Parent/Families of Child w/ Disability

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You are here

This webpage is for parents and those who work with parents. It is dedicated to providing information on special education issues, practices and resources to families who have children with disabilities.

Look for this icon throughout the Special Education website (specific webpages with /cdesped in the URL) to find information and resources for families

How to Search this Site

1. You can use the Google Search box (which only searches within the CDE) at the top right side of the webpage and type in what you are looking for.

2. You can use our Topic Index (Alpha Index) - alphabetical list for the Office of Special Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

View a list of Frequently Asked Questions: A Guide for Parents and Family Members of Students on IEPs

Supporting Displaced Students

Homelessness and Natural Disasters (such as fires, floods, etc.)
Special Education Fact Sheet

ChildFind and Preschool Special Education

Every school district or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) has professionals trained to evaluate young children's development. This service is referred to as Child Find. The purpose of the child find process is to determine whether a child has a need for early intervention or special education services.

Has your child been identified as having a Disability?

Fourteen disabilities have been identified under ECEA. The Disabilities webpage has links to each of the 14 identified disabilities (with more information about that disability) and the appropriate state office contacts.

Does your child have an IEP (Individualized Education Program)?

The IEP Link has both forms and resources

Does your child need related services?

The term "related services" means transportation, and such developmental, corrective, and other supportive services as may be required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education, and includes the early identification and assessment of disabling condition in children.

Dispute Resolution

Find information on dispute resolution options available to parents and school districts regarding disputes during the Special Education process.

Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP)

Parents Encouraging Parents
Family-centered conferences designed to offer support, information, and education to parents with children who have a disability, ages birth to 21 years, and professionals.

Looking for a Conference or Training?

Colorado Special Advisory Committees

Parent and Family Support List / Lista de apoyo para padres y familias

Our Partners Who Help Us Help You:

Find what you were looking for?

If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact our web content coordinator Amanda Timmerman at Timmerman_A@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.

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Parents/Families of a Child with a Disability

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This webpage is for parents and those who work with parents. It is dedicated to providing information on special education issues, practices and resources to families who have children with disabilities.

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Special Education and Universal Preschool in Colorado | CDE

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Standards have been identified by the Colorado Department of Education for educational environments in which Administrative Units place preschoolers with Individual Educational Programs (IEPs).

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Early Childhood Education | Clear Creek School District

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Find your Clear Creek School District Early Childhood Education location and schedule a tour!

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Fourteen disabilities have been identified under ECEA. NOTE: Some of these disabilities have sub-menus on the right to sort their information.

Those persons from three to twenty-one years of age who, by reason of one or more of the following conditions, are unable to receive reasonable benefit from general education.

Were You Looking For . . .?

Additional Educator Resources

Having trouble with this webpage?

If you have problems with broken links or accessing the content on this page, please contact the Exceptional Student Services Unit at ESSU@cde.state.co.us. Please copy the URL link for this page into the email when referencing the problem you are experiencing.

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Fourteen disabilities have been identified under ECEA. NOTE: Some of these disabilities have sub-menus on the right to sort their information. Those persons from three to twenty-one years of age who, by reason of one or more of the following conditions, are unable to receive reasonable benefit from general education.

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IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Overview

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IDEA-Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Overview

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is a federal law first passed in 1975 that makes a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) -tailored to a child's individual needs-available to all eligible children with disabilities.

Overview

IDEA has four parts:

Part A outlines the general provisions of the law.

Part B covers assistance for providing a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment for children with disabilities ages 3-21. Part B, Section 619 focuses on services for children ages 3-5.

Part C includes provisions for serving infants and toddlers with disabilities birth-2 and their families.

Part D includes provisions for federal grants available to support activities related to improving services for children with disabilities, including personnel development, technical assistance and dissemination, technology, and parent-training and information centers.

How do states run their programs?

Each eligible state or jurisdiction has its own Part C or Part B, Section 619 programs. These programs must comply with the federal IDEA regulations, and their state rules and requirements. Each state has Part C System and Coordinator and a Part B, Section 619 Program and Coordinator.
See also: State Part C Regulations and Policies, State Part B, Section 619 Regulations and Policies
What is Part C?

The Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities- Part C of IDEA-is a federal grant program that assists states in operating a comprehensive statewide system of early intervention services for infants and toddlers ages birth-2 with-or at state discretion, at-risk for-disabilities. Part C builds upon and provides supports and resources to assist family members and caregivers to enhance children's learning and development through everyday learning opportunities.

The goal of early intervention is to enable young children to be active and successful participants during the early childhood years and in the future in a variety of settings, in their homes, with their families, in child care, preschool or school programs and in the community.

What is Section 619?

The Preschool Grants Program- Part B, Section 619 of IDEA-is a federal grant program intended to help states ensure that all preschool-aged children ages 3-5 with disabilities receive free appropriate special education and related services in their least restrictive environment.

The goal of preschool special education services is to enable young children to be active and successful participants in home, school, and community settings resulting in positive outcomes for children and their families.

Planning Services with IFSPs and IEPs

Under the IDEA, early intervention and preschool special education programs develop individualized plans that clearly lay out the services a child and family will receive and the results the team hopes to achieve.

An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for infants and toddlers ages birth-2, and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for children ages 3-5, are both processes and documents that facilitate family members and professionals working together to improve results for children with disabilities and their families. The services identified and provided through an IFSP or IEP should include practices that research has shown to be most effective for improving the learning outcomes and promoting the development of young children ages birth-5, who have developmental delays or disabilities.

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ECTA Center: The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

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IDEA is a federal law first passed in 1975 that makes a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)—tailored to a child’s individual needs—available to all eligible children with disabilities.

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Colorado Child Care Assistance Program For Families | Colorado Department of Early Childhood

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You are here

Every child with a disability who attends public school and receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is a document uniquely designed for one specific student, with the intention of improving educational results for that child. Each IEP must be created in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and, in Colorado, the Exceptional Children's Education Act (ECEA).

Quick Links

Parent Resources

Parent-specific information regarding the IEP process.

Extended School Year (ESY)

This pamphlet defines and explains Extended School Year services for the parents of a child with disabilities.

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Extended School Year Determination Webinar

Extended School Year refers to special education and related services provided in accordance with a child's IEP, but which are provided beyond the normal school year at no cost to the child's parent(s).

2024
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IEP Review

This form to be used for annual review meetings

Determination of Eligibility:
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Disability Categories and Eligibility Criteria
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Additional IEP Resources
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Contacts For More Information:

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You are here Every child with a disability who attends public school and receives special education and related services must have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is a document uniquely designed for one specific student, with the intention of improving educational results for that child.

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Boulder Valley School District-Child Find

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Boulder Valley School District-Child Find

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Child Find - Boulder Valley School District

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Child Find - Boulder Valley School District

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ECTA Center: Practice Guides for Families

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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

These Spanish-language translations of our Practice Guides for Families are intended for practitioners to share with families.

The Practice Guides are listed below by the DEC Recommended Practices topics:

Guías de práctica para la familia: Evaluación

Download this practice guide:

Los componentes fundamentales del aprendizaje del niño son sus fortalezas, entre las cuales se encuentra el comportamiento que manifiesta al interactuar con personas y objetos y los intereses personales que lo motivan a divertirse y pasarlo bien. Las capacidades, habilidades y actividades en las cuales el niño se destaca forman parte de su comportamiento. Lo que le gusta, prefiere o decide hacer; es decir, lo que lo hace sonreír, reír, emocionarse y concentrarse en el juego forma parte de los intereses personales del niño. Los procedimientos basados en fortalezas pasan el enfasis de aprendizaje de lo que el niño no puede hacer a lo que sí puede hacer.

Guías de práctica para la familia: Ambiente

Guías de práctica para la familia: Familia

Guías de práctica para la familia: Instrucción

Guías de práctica para la familia: Interacción

Guías de práctica para la familia: Trabajo en Equipo y Colaboración

Guías de práctica para la familia: Transición

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ECTA Center: Guías de práctica para las familias

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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes These Spanish-language translations of our Practice Guides for Families are intended for practitioners to share with families. The Practice Guides are listed below by the DEC Recommended Practices topics: Download this practice guide: Los componentes fundamentales del aprendizaje del niño son sus fortalezas, entre las cuales se encuentra el comportamiento que manifiesta al interactuar con personas y objetos y los intereses personales que lo motivan a divertirse y pasarlo bien.

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Special Education | Jefferson County, CO

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Jefferson County Head Start staff work as a team with each family to ensure that every child is provided with an inclusive and comprehensive learning environment.

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Discover a comprehensive collection of resources from The Arc of Colorado, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Access toolkits, advocacy guides, policy updates, and community programs across Colorado.

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Case Management Agency | Jefferson County, CO

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Single Entry Point (SEP) Agencies provide case management, care planning, and make referrals to other resources for Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) members with the following qualifying needs: elderly, blind and disabled, persons living with HIV/AIDS, mental health, brain injury, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, or cerebral palsy, children with a life-limiting illness, and medically fragile children.

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Family Support Services Program (FSSP) provides support for families who have children with intellectual and developmental disabilities or delays with costs that are beyond those normally experienced by other families. The primary purpose of the FSSP is to support children with intellectual and developmental disabilities or delays remaining within their family setting and prevent out-of-home placements.

FSSP has recently changed from Developmental Disabilities Resource Center (DDRC) to Jefferson County Human Services Case Management Agency (CMA). This new CMA serves Jefferson and Clear Creek Counties only.

Who Qualifies?

Any individual with an Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) or Developmental Delay living with their family is eligible for the FSSP.

Benefits and Services

Examples of services that may be provided through the program:

Assistive Technology

Environmental Engineering

Medical and Dental Items

Parent and Sibling Support

Professional Services

Respite

Transportation

FSSP FAQ page
How to Apply

Please complete the following interest form.

FSSP Interest Form
For Spanish, select the Spanish translation on the top right corner of the form.

Your FSSP Case Manager can answer questions and help you fill out the forms. If you would like the forms mailed to you, please contact your FSSP Case Manager or Caitlyn Gashi at 720-871-7205.

Important Deadlines

The MIN Assessment, Request for Services (including any needed revisions or additions to FSSP) must be submitted on or before May 15, 2025 to be considered for funds within the current fiscal year. This allows time for Jefferson County CMA to develop and/or revise the Family Support Plan (FSSP), issue checks, and collect receipts prior to the end of the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2025.

Additional Resources

Developmental Disabilities Resource Center has programs available.

Self Determination Initiative provides funding to individuals with an IDD/DD to help support developing a new skill, take initiative towards a new goal, and/or move towards a dream of theirs that will promote increased independence and self-determination.

Jefferson County Unmet Needs Funding provides funding for a variety of services and supports which are related to a person's developmental disability and are above and beyond typical child rearing or daily living expenses.

Provider Support Funding Program permits providers access to funding to address barriers to unmet needs and enhance, expand and/or innovate services.

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Jefferson County Case Management Agency's Family Support Services.

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PACER's Early Childhood Family Information and Resources Project gives parents of children ages birth through 5 years the confidence, knowledge, and skills they need to help their children obtain the education, health care, and other services they deserve.

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PACER Center Advocate Pat Anderson looks at ways to effectively communicate with your child's IEP Team and discusses the Due Process options in these videos.

Parents of children with disabilities often ask:

Can the school send my child home before the end of the school day?

Can the school district suspend my child?

Can the school district expel my child?

What happens to my child's educational services if he or she is sent home, suspended, or expelled?

This interactive guide will answer these and many other questions. Whether your child is on an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or a Section 504 Plan, or if you suspect that your child has a disability that affects his or her behavior at school, this guide will help you understand the complex disciplinary process for Minnesota public school children with disabilities.

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blind deaf autistic children education programs

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Today PACER offers more than 30 programs for parents, students, professionals and other parent organizations. PACER is staffed primarily by parents of children with disabilities dedicated to educating other parents and improving the lives of children with disabilities throughout Minnesota.

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Preparing for Transition from EI to SPED

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Preparing for Transition from EI to SPED

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Resources and strategies to help parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors caring for young children

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Resources and strategies to help parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors caring for young children

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We apologize, but we are currently experiencing issues with flash content on Courses and Info Modules. If you experience issues, please know we are working it and we request that you check back next week.

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Explore our free, bilingual resources for families, providers, and teachers to help preschool and toddler age children build confidence in preparing for school.

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Getting Prepared- Transition to Preschool

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Getting Prepared- Transition to Preschool

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How to Access Services - Developmental Disability Resource Center

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Navigating IDD services in Colorado? Learn how to access HCBS waivers, Early Intervention, and more. We simply connect you to DDRC support.

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Familias que no pasan a la evaluación de la Parte B

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Familias que no pasan a la evaluación de la Parte B

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Getting Prepared - Not Moving on to Part B - Spanish

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Las familias pasan a la evaluación de la Parte B

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Las familias pasan a la evaluación de la Parte B

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Getting Prepared - Moving on to Part B - Spanish

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Getting Prepared- Not Transitioning to Preschool

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Getting Prepared- Not Transitioning to Preschool

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Getting Prepared - Not Moving on to Part B

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Jeffco Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters

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Jeffco Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters

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Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) empowers parents as primary educators of their children and fosters parent involvement to maximize the chances of successful early learning experiences.

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Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) - Jeffco Public Schools

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Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) - Jeffco Public Schools

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Parents as Teachers — Shiloh House - Healing Our Community

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Parents as Teachers (PAT) is an evidenced-based home visitation program for families with children from prenatal through Kindergarten age. PAT’s trained parent educators, also known as home visitors, make monthly home visits, offering child development information, parenting strategies, annual developmental screenings, activities to promote school readiness, and connections to community resources. Below are categories addressed during a PAT home visit.

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Maternal Child Health in Your Community Cuenta Conmigo Coop is an inclusive group focused on maternal and child health that supports and strengthens families, communities and organizations to achieve health and well-being for all. Learn More Maternal Child Health in our Community Cuenta Conmigo Coop is an inclusive group

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Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters- Jeffco No Cost Service

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Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters- Jeffco No Cost Service

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Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) - Jeffco Public Schools

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Home Instruction for Parents of Preschool Youngsters (HIPPY) - Jeffco Public Schools

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Jefferson County Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, family support, health, and nutritional services for young children and families in Jefferson County, Colorado. Our program promotes school readiness, early learning opportunities, social-emotional growth, and community engagement. Explore enrollment information, eligibility criteria, family resources, and how we’re empowering the next generation to thrive through education and care.