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(13.3) Are all school districts responsible for full implementation of services for 3- to 5- year-old children? 

(13.3) Are all school districts responsible for full implementation of services for 3- to 5- year-old children? 

Yes.  Under California law, all school districts have a mandate to provide special education and 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 a regional center serving individuals with developmental disabilities or a school district, the responsible school district must ensure that they experience a smooth and effective transition to preschool programs. [2]  It must also ensure than an individual education program [3] has been developed and is being implemented by the time of the child’s 3rd birthday. [4]  If a child turns three during the summer months, the IEP team must determine the date when IEP services will begin. [5] The district must participate in transition planning conferences arranged by the regional center. [6]  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. IEP[]
  4. Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(b); 34 Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) Sec. 300.124(b).[]
  5. Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(d).[]
  6. 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1437(a)(9); Cal. Ed. Code Sec. 56426.9(c).[]