An Early Crossroads: One Family's Early Intervention Transition Story

Tennessee parents of young children with developmental delays or disabilities find themselves at a crossroads as their child turns 3. In the past, this was the age when early intervention services transitioned to school-based services. Now, the Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) has expanded its services. TEIS now offers eligible children support from birth until the start of the school year following their 5th birthday. The extension presents families with an important choice at age 3: continue with TEIS services or transition their child to an early childhood preschool program.

This decision can feel overwhelming for parents. They must weigh the benefits of continued family-based support against those of a more structured classroom environment. The specific early childhood preschool model can vary between school districts. The child's unique needs, family dynamics, and long-term educational goals all play a role in this decision-making process.

To give parents more insight on this complex choice, we spoke with Jennifer Sardarbekians, mother to Presley. Her family recently navigated this decision. Her insights offer a valuable perspective for other parents standing at this early crossroads.

If you have faced this same decision and chose the TEIS Extended Option, we would love to hear from you! Your story could be featured here in Breaking Ground. Contact us at TNDDC@tn.gov.

Family Experience: Jennifer Sardarbekians, mother of Presley

BG: What were some of the questions you had as you thought about the decision of whether to stay with TEIS or transition to early childhood preschool for Presley?

Jennifer: My biggest questions were, "Was putting Presley in this new program going to benefit him the same way TEIS has? Will he continue to thrive the way he has with TEIS?"

I was scared that a big change would negatively affect him and his progress. I didn't want to let go of a program and community we've relied on since the beginning of our therapy journey and getting him diagnosed. It was very hard for me to let that go.

What were the main factors that caused you to decide to transition to the school system?

What's important for us as his parents is that any decisions we make for Presley are going to benefit him long-term. As much as we loved TEIS and as helpful as it has been, we knew that eventually, Presley would be going to school. We felt it was important for him to be introduced into a classroom setting.

We wanted him to have the chance to experience a classroom setting, and to be around other children his age. We were hopeful it would help him develop important social skills and give him a sense of independence from us.

TEIS Service Coordinator Experience: Jacklyn Adcock

BG: What are the biggest questions or concerns you hear from families as they prepare for the decision of whether to stay with TEIS Extended Option or transition to the school district?

JA: A huge concern that my families have is how their child will do in the special education intervention with our Local Education Agency (the local school district). Oftentimes, parents feel anxious about making that huge switch from TEIS to the special education intervention, where the caregivers aren’t as engaged with their child during that intervention time. Caregivers often question whether their child is ready to make that switch.

How do you help families feel equipped to make the decision?

I often have multiple check-ins with families about the transition process, especially during the Individualized Family Support Plan reviews and as we near the 3rd birthday. I encourage families to ask all questions they have during our Transition Planning Conference with the Local Education Agency. This will help them start to make an informed decision on what path they would like to take if the child is eligible for Part B services. (Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act defines school-aged services for children ages 3-21.)

What resources have been most helpful for families?

For the area that I serve, the most helpful resource for families is the consistent communication between all team members and the family so they can make an informed decision on what could be best for the child. I have found it’s helpful for families to have conversations about the process and different scenarios to see if the TEIS Extended Option or going into Part B services would be best for the child.