If a therapist or a doctor recently mentioned an "IFSP" and you have only ever heard of an "IEP," you are not behind, most parents have not heard of either term before they need to know it. They cover the same broad goal, helping a child with a delay or disability get the support they need, but they come from different parts of federal law and work differently.
Two plans, two parts of the same law
| IFSP (birth to 3) | IEP (3 to 21) |
|---|---|
| Governed by IDEA Part C | Governed by IDEA Part B |
| Family-centered: includes the family's priorities and resources | Child-centered: focused on the student's academic and functional skills |
| Services often happen in natural settings, like the home or daycare | Services happen in a school setting |
| Goals cover development: communication, motor, cognitive, social-emotional, adaptive | Goals are measurable and tied to school performance |
| Coordinated by a Family Resource Coordinator or service coordinator | Coordinated by the school's IEP team |
The transition timeline, in order
- Around 9 months before your child's third birthday: transition planning conversations typically begin with your service coordinator.
- At least 90 days before the third birthday (the federal minimum): if your child may be eligible for preschool special education, the early intervention program must hold a transition conference with you and the local school district, and your IFSP must include a written transition plan.
- Before the third birthday: the school district must complete an evaluation to determine IEP eligibility.
- By the third birthday: if found eligible, an IEP must be developed and in effect, so services do not have a gap.
What to ask for at the transition conference
Bring your IFSP, recent evaluations, and a written list of the specific skills and behaviors you have seen at home. Ask directly what evaluation will be used to determine IEP eligibility, what happens if your child is found not eligible, and whether a Section 504 Plan is a possibility if they do not qualify for an IEP but still need some support. Ask for the transition conference and any evaluation results in writing.
Washington specifics
Washington's Part C program is Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT), run through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. If your child receives ESIT services, a Family Resource Coordinator (FRC) manages the IFSP and begins transition planning 6 to 9 months before the third birthday, then connects your family to your local school district for the eligibility evaluation. If your child is not found eligible for an IEP, ask about a Section 504 Plan or other community-based supports before services stop.
Get free help with any of this
Every state has a federally funded Parent Training and Information Center that helps families through the Part C to Part B transition at no cost. In Washington, that is PAVE. Find your state's center at parentcenterhub.org, and see our full directory of free help for more organizations by state.