TEIS Extended Option

Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) now serves eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays from birth until the start of the school year following the child’s 4th birthday. 

The TEIS Extended Option was implemented on October 15, 2022. Previously, Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) served eligible infants and toddlers with disabilities or developmental delays from birth to age 3. Governor Bill Lee proposed extending TEIS to serve children past their 3rd birthday. Both the Tennessee General Assembly  and the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) approved this proposal.  This means families of children who are eligible for IDEA Part B services will have the choice to continue with TEIS services until the start of the school year following the child’s 4th birthday. This extension offers families an additional option to consider as they help their children develop and prepare for school.

In April 2023, Gov. Lee and the Tennessee legislature proposed expanding early intervention services to the start of school following the child’s 5th birthday to maximize opportunity and choice for TEIS families. Once approved by our state and federal partners, families enrolled in the TEIS Extended Option may choose to continue receiving TEIS services until the start of the school year following their child’s 5th birthday.

Frequently Asked Questions

Prior to implementation, a child received services from TEIS until they turn 3. Then, if eligible, the child may receive services in the school system from age 3 until age 22. Information about the services provided in the school system for children ages 3 to 5 can be found here: https://www.tn.gov/education/student-support/special-education/special-education-section-619.html 

The extension of TEIS services up to the start of school following the 4th birthday provides eligible families with the choice to either continue services through TEIS or transition to the school system any time after the child turns 3. 

Transition planning will continue as it does now. TEIS service coordinators will work with the family and the local school district to make sure the family has a smooth transition to services provided by the school system.   

 

To be eligible for the TEIS Extended Option, a child must meet the following criteria: 

  • Enrolled in TEIS prior to the age of 3 
  • Eligible for special education services in the local school district 
  • Turn 3 on or after October 15, 2022 

Once a child transitions to special education services in the school, they cannot return to TEIS services.

If a child is referred to TEIS after his or her 3rd birthday, the child will not be eligible to begin TEIS services.  That child would work with their local school district to receive services.   

If a family chooses to leave TEIS services after the child turns 3, that child cannot return to TEIS services.  

The TEIS Extended Option was implemented on October 15, 2022. 

No. 

*What is an IEP?

An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan that is developed for a child with a disability to ensure they receive the supports and services they need to thrive in school.

Learn more about the Tennessee Department of Education’s Special Education Framework here: https://bit.ly/3CRH9iA

Presentations

Resources

Other Community Resources

The Arc of TN and TNStep  developed a one page document to support families through the decision making process after age 3. 

the arc

Family Engagement in Special Education is a collaborative project of The Arc Tennessee and the Tennessee Department of Education.

They help to empower parents and caregivers and increase family engagement in Special Education. This group consists of a team of individuals with background experiences as educators, mental health professionals, parents, caregivers of individuals with disabilities, and disability-related fields. The family engagement team members can provide knowledge and support from an educator and parent perspective. You can think of them as the bridge that connects your family to your school in a variety of ways.

Find success in your Special Education experience. Visit www.FamilyEngagementTN.com.

tnstep

TNSTEP is a statewide organization that supports families of children and youth with disabilities from ages 3 to 26 by providing parent training, the latest and most relevant information and resources, and other supports to those navigating special education in Tennessee. TNSTEP believes that parents and caregivers are their children’s best advocates, that youth with disabilities should be self-advocates, and that no family should have to walk the path alone. More information can be found at www.tnstep.org. 

Advisory Council Upates

Latest Progress and Action Items

With the extension of TEIS services in Governor Lee’s proposed budget in 2022, TEIS leadership planned for the extended program. We provided updates in our bi-weekly newsletter that can also be found below. 

Recent activity:  

  • New TEIS Service Coordinator positions continue to post.
  • A TEIS Extended Option presentation for providers was held during TEIS Provider Office Hours on September 21st. The recorded presentation and slides can be found on the TEIS Extended Option webpage.
  • TEIS Leaders held a staff Q&A and answered questions about the TEIS Extended Option.
  • The fourth training for TEIS staff occurs today Monday, October 3rd at 12 p.m. CT.

Recent activity:  

  • New TEIS Service Coordinator positions continue to post. 
  • DOE discussed the TEIS Extended Option with LEA Special Directors and distributed support materials. 
  • The second TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for families was held today. This presentation provided an opportunity for families to hear about how the TEIS Extended Option will impact their children and to ask questions. 
  • A TEIS Extended Option presentation for providers will be held during TEIS Provider Office Hours on September 21st. 
  • The fourth training for TEIS staff will occur on Monday, October 3rd at 12 p.m. CT. 

Recent activity:  

  • New TEIS Service Coordinator positions continue to post.
  • Mark your calendars! A TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for families is scheduled for September 15th. This presentation will provide an opportunity for families to hear about how the TEIS Extended Option will impact their child and ask questions. Meeting information can be found below.
  • A TEIS Extended Option presentation for providers will be held during TEIS Provider Office Hours on September 21st. 
  • TEIS Leadership had the opportunity to meet with our partners at the U.S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) during the Improving Data, Improving Outcomes Conference. They’ve played a huge role in supporting DIDD through the development of the TEIS Extended Option.
  • The fourth training for TEIS staff will occur on Monday, October 3rd at 12 p.m. CT.

Reminder: Before we can implement the TEIS Extended Option, the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will need to formally approve the changes we plan to make to the program. 

TEIS continues to plan for the implementation of the TEIS Extended Option. We look forward to providing these updates on a regular basis.  

Recent activity:  

  • New TEIS Service Coordinator positions continue to post.
  • TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for families is scheduled for September 15th. This presentation will provide an opportunity for families to hear how the TEIS Extended Option will impact their child and ask questions. Meeting information can be found below.
  • A TEIS Pathways document has been posted to the TEIS webpage as an additional resource for families. 
  • Leadership met with advocacy agencies to discuss how best to support families in understanding the TEIS Extended Option.   
  • The TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for providers was held on July 29th from 12 to 1 p.m. CST. A link to the recording can be found on the TEIS Extended Option webpage: tn.gov/didd/teis-extended.  
  • To ensure providers have access to up-to-date information, we will host TEIS Provider Office Hours twice a month from August through November. Find the schedule here: https://bit.ly/3JdTlNN
  • The draft Transition Interagency Agreement with the TN Department of Education is posted for public review until September 1st. Further information can be found below. 
  • The draft Transition Interagency Agreement has also been submitted to OSEP for preliminary review.  
  • TEIS and DOE leadership met to collaborate on support materials for district offices and the Lead Education Agencies (LEAs).  
  • The third of four staff trainings for TEIS staff will occur on September 1st at 12 p.m. CST. 

Reminder: Before we can implement the TEIS Extended Option, the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will need to approve the changes we plan to make to the program. 

TEIS continues to plan for the implementation of the TEIS Extended Option. We look forward to providing these updates on a regular basis.  

Recent activity:  

  • New TEIS Service Coordinator positions will post a few at a time. The first set is now posted. Information on how to apply can be found below.  
  • Six of the nine TEIS district offices have identified potential candidates for the Program Coordinator positions.  
  • TEIS leaders met with the Tennessee Community Organizations (TNCO) TEIS committee to discuss the upcoming TEIS Extended Option. 
  • District Administrators communicated with Lead Education Agency (LEA) leaders to further collaborate on the extended option. 
  • The TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for providers was held on July 29th from 12 to 1 p.m. CST. A link to the recording can be found on the TEIS Extended Option webpage: tn.gov/didd/teis-extended
  • To ensure providers have access to up-to-date information, we will host TEIS Provider Office Hours twice a month from August through November. Find the schedule here: https://bit.ly/3JdTlNN
  • TEIS continues to work with OSEP and partner with DOE as we plan to implement the TEIS Extended Option.  
  • In collaboration with DOE, we completed a final draft of the Inter-Agency (IA) agreement. 
  • The second of four staff trainings for TEIS staff will occur on August 1st at noon. 
  • To find continual updates and information, please visit the TEIS Extended Option webpage tn.gov/didd/teis-extended. 

TEIS continues to plan for the implementation of the TEIS Extended Option. We look forward to providing these updates on a regular basis.  

Recent activity:  

  • As announced on the June 20th family presentation, the implementation date for the TEIS Extended Option is October 15th. 
  • New TEIS Service Coordinator positions will post a few at a time. The first set will post in mid-July.  
  • Interviews are being scheduled for the nine new TEIS Program Coordinators.
  • Presentations and updates on the TEIS Extended Option were provided during TEIS Provider Office Hours, the SICC meeting, and the Vendor Advisory Council meeting. 
  • The provider presentation is scheduled for July 29th from 12 to 1 p.m. CST. The link to the meeting information can be found below. 
  • To ensure providers have access to up-to-date information, we will host TEIS Provider Office Hours twice a month through November. 
  • The Part C Application was formally submitted to OSEP including the TEIS Extended Option policy statement and the Family Notification Document.  
  • TEIS continues to work with OSEP and partner with DOE as we plan to implement the TEIS Extended Option. 
  • To find continual updates and information, please visit the TEIS Extended Option webpage tn.gov/didd/teis-extended.  

Recent activity:

  • TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for families was held on June 20th. This presentation provided an opportunity for families to hear how the TEIS Extended Option will impact their child and ask questions. 193 people attended this meeting.
  • In preparation for the TEIS Extended Option, nine new TEIS Program Coordinator positions were posted on June 30th and new Service Coordinator positions are expected to post in mid-July. Information on how to apply can be found below.
  • The TEIS Extended Option Family Notification Document has been approved and is posted on the TEIS Extended Option webpage tn.gov/didd/teis-extended under "Resources". 

Recent activity: 

  • TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for families is scheduled for June 20. This presentation will include new information about the TEIS Extended Option and will provide an opportunity for families to hear how the extended program will impact their child and to ask questions. More information below.
  • The department is working to establish the new Service Coordinator positions that were approved as part of the TEIS Extended Option. 
  • The period for public Review of the TEIS Extended Option Policy Statement and Family Notification Document, including the corresponding public hearings, has ended.
  • TEIS leadership met with DOE and OSEP for a third collaborative review of the DIDD/DOE Transition Interagency Agreement.   

Reminder: Before we can implement the TEIS Extended Option, the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will need to approve the changes we plan to make to the program. 

Recent activity:

  • TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for families is on June 20th. More information can be found below.
  • TEIS Extended Option Policy Statement and Family Notification Document will remain posted for public review until June 10.
  • Public Hearing #1 for the TEIS Extended Option Policy Statement was held on May 20. Public Hearing #2 will be held on June 7.
  • Met with DOE and OSEP for a second collaborative review of the DIDD/DOE Transition Interagency Agreement.
  • Updated the TEIS Extended Option one-pager to include eligibility information for families: http://www.tn.gov/didd/teis-extended

Reminder: Before we can implement the TEIS Extended Option, the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will need to approve the changes we plan to make to the program.

  • Scheduled a TEIS Extended Option Lunch and Learn for families on June 20th. More information can be found below.
  • Developed Family Interest Survey.
  • Submitted Part C application to the Office of Special Education Programs on May 11th.
  • Posted the TEIS Extended Option Policy Statement and Family Notification Document for public review on May 4th. These documents will be posted until June 10.
  • Completed the first draft of DIDD/DOE Transition Interagency Agreement and sent to DOE for review and input.
  • Met with OSEP and DOE for continued collaboration.

Reminder: Before we can implement the TEIS Extended Option, the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will need to approve the changes we plan to make to the program.

  • Received budget approval. State lawmakers approved the budget which includes funding for the TEIS Extended Option!
  • Concluded public comment period for Part C application on April 4th. The Part C application will remain posted for public review until May 5th.
  • Received feedback from the Tennessee Department of Education on the TEIS Extended Option policy statement and family notification document. The TEIS Extended Option policy statement and family notification document will be posted for public review in the coming days.
  • Met with OSEP and DOE for continued collaboration.

Reminder: Before we can implement the TEIS Extended Option, the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will need to approve the changes we plan to make to the program.

  • Concluded public comment period for Part C application on April 4th. The Part C application will remain posted for public review for an additional 30 days.
  • Presented an overview of the TEIS Extended Option with stakeholders at the SICC meeting on April 12th.
  • Provided clarification on eligibility. To continue with the TEIS Extended Option, children must be enrolled in TEIS with an IFSP and be determined Part B eligible by the LEA.
  • Received feedback from OSEP on the TEIS Extended Option policy statement and family notification document.
  • Shared draft policy statement with Department of Education.
  • Updated and shared webpage with stakeholders (one-pager embedded).
  • Met with OSEP and DOE for continued collaboration.

Reminder: Before we can make this change, state lawmakers must first approve the budget. Then, the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) will need to approve the changes we plan to make to the program.

  • Determined projected implementation timeframe to be late Fall 2022.
  • Monitored comments on Part C application posted for public review through April 4, 2022. (Reminder, the application includes September 1, 2022, as the due date for program policies to be sent to the Office of Special Education; this date is not a target date for implementation.)
  • Created a webpage dedicated to the TEIS Extended Option that includes resources, frequently asked questions, and the bi-weekly updates that are included in Tri-Starts. The new webpage can be found at tn.gov/didd/teis-extended.
  • Revised the TEIS Extended Option one pager to provide more detail. The revised one pager can be found on our TEIS Extended Option webpage.
  • Met with TN Department of Education team and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).
  • Per the Part C application, established a target date of September 1, 2022, to submit our proposed extended program policies to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). This date is not a target date for implementation and the start date for our extended program remains to be determined.
  • Scheduled meeting with TN Department of Education team and Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to set objectives for working together.
     
  • Continued review of federal and state regulations in preparation for second meeting with the Office of Special Education Programs.
  • Began working to establish timelines for implementation.
  • Initiated contact with the Department of Education to establish a designated team for extended services and transition planning.
  • Created a one-pager that includes what we know now so families can better understand what this might mean for their children. The one-pager can be found on our Family Resources webpage or at the following link: https://bit.ly/3rS4CMO.
  • Met with the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) to begin reviewing federal requirements for extending Part C services beyond age 3.
  • Began review of all relevant state and federal policies.