Yes. Under California law, all school districts have a mandate to provide special education and related services for all eligible children between the ages of three-to five-years, inclusive.^[1]

If a child is already receiving “early intervention” or “Early Start” services from the district, the district must ensure that they experience a smooth and effective transition to preschool programs.^[2] It must also ensure that an IEP has been developed and is being implemented by the time of the child’s third birthday.^[3] If a child turns three during the summer months, the IEP team must determine the date when IEP services will begin.^[4] The district must participate in transition planning conferences arranged by the regional center.^[5] See Chapter 12, Information on Early Intervention Services.

1. Cal. Ed. Code Secs. 56001(b) & 56440(c).[↩]
2. 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1437(a)(9); Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(a).[↩]
3. 34 C.F.R. Sec. 300.124(b); Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(b).[↩]
4. Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(d).[↩]
5. 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1437(a)(9); Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(c).[↩]