As a parent, you already know it’s really important to make sure your child gets the support they need when they’re young. You may be asking yourself “What happens when my child with a disability turns 3 and doesn’t qualify for early childhood services anymore?”
When your child turns 3, the rules for getting these services might change and your child may not be eligible. Watch this short video on some reasons why your child might not be able to get services after age 3 and what you can do next.
Transcript:
If your child has a developmental disability or delay, making sure they get the support they need during their early years is crucial. But what happens when they turn three and age out of the services meant for early childhood? When your child ages out of these services, here’s what might happen next.
- Your child has made significant progress and they don’t need services anymore. It’s time to celebrate!
- If your child still needs support, get an evaluation from your public school system. You can request this by calling the Special Education Department for your district. If they qualify, they will be able to get services through the school. The type and amount of support will depend on their specific needs. This could mean anything from weekly speech therapy or to free public preschool.
- If your child gets an evaluation but doesn’t qualify , don’t worry, there are still options. You can seek support through community-based services, often covered by insurance.
Sidenote: If you live in Louisiana or Massachusetts, our Disability Services Finder can help you locate these services.
Navigating this transition can be challenging, but we’re here to help. Visit Exceptionallives.org to learn more and find the support your child needs.
