IDEA Part C, early intervention and IFSPs

A federal guide for infants and toddlers: referral, the 45 day post referral timeline, evaluation, family assessment, the IFSP, natural environments and transition toward preschool services.

Important: This guide gives general information about federal rules. State law can add procedures, shorter timelines or additional protections. Check the state guide before relying on a deadline in a live case.

Referral → IFSP → services → dispute

1ReferContact the state Part C early-intervention program

A parent or another permitted referral source can start the process. Use the state directory for the current lead agency and referral route.

2AssessEvaluation, assessments and initial IFSP

Except for specified exceptions, the Part C process from referral through initial evaluation/assessment and initial IFSP meeting is subject to the federal 45-day timeline.

3PlanAgree outcomes and early-intervention services

The IFSP identifies outcomes, services, frequency/intensity, locations, service coordination and transition steps. Keep the signed plan and notices.

4If disputedUse Part C procedural safeguards

Part C includes mediation, state complaint procedures and due-process protections. The exact state due-process model and filing route should be checked with the lead agency.

Find Part C referral Open state guide

1. Part C is different from a school age IEP

IDEA Part C is the early intervention system for eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. States operate Part C through a lead agency, which may not be the state education department.

2. The federal 45 day post referral timeline

Except for specified exceptions, screening if used, the initial evaluation, child and family assessments, and the initial IFSP meeting must be completed within 45 days from the date the lead agency or provider receives the referral.

3. What an IFSP contains

Present levels across physical, cognitive, communication, social emotional and adaptive development.
Family resources, priorities and concerns when the family concurs.
Measurable results or outcomes.
Specific early intervention services, including frequency, intensity, method, length and duration.
Location and natural environment information.
Service coordinator.
Transition steps and services.

4. Natural environments

Part C services are to be provided in natural environments to the maximum extent appropriate. If a service is not provided in a natural environment, the IFSP must contain the required justification based on the child’s outcomes.

5. Transition before age three

For toddlers who may be eligible for preschool services under Part B, federal rules include notice and transition conference requirements and a transition plan in the IFSP. The transition conference is generally held not fewer than 90 days and, at the discretion of all parties, not more than nine months before the third birthday.

State variation matters: States can use different eligibility definitions and may have different agencies, service models or Part C extension options.

Find the Part C program in your state

Every state guide now identifies the Part C early-intervention program/lead agency and provides a direct referral or contact route. The action directory lets you compare those routes across all 50 states.

Find Part C referral by state Open your state guide