This renewal agreement, effective since 2001, between the above named agencies (IDEA Part C providers) and Hillsborough County Public Schools (IDEA Part B provider), ensures a collaborative transition, as mandated by law, including the involvement of family members in planning/completing the transition process from Part C to Part B.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part C is federal legislation for infants and toddlers, ages birth through two years. The Florida Department of Health, Children Medical Services contracts with the University of South Florida College of Medicine to implement the Part C Early Steps Program in Hillsborough County. Locally, the Bay Area Early Steps Program of the University of South Florida and Infants & Young Children of West Central Florida, Inc. are the lead agencies that implement Part C. IDEA Part B applies to school-aged children with disabilities, ages three to twenty-two. Hillsborough County Public Schools is the agency that implements Part B.

The transition process addresses educating families about transition, including the similarities and differences between IDEA Part C Early Steps Program for infants and toddlers, and IDEA Part B services for school-age children ages three to twenty-two. This process, as mandated by State Performance Plan, Indicator 12, ensures that needed evaluations are conducted for children receiving Part C services by their third birthdays. The evaluations are conducted cooperatively, and within a timely fashion, in order to promote continuous services for young children. Approximately 500 children transitioned from Part C to Part B from July 2007 through June 2008.

* Increase promotion rates at all grade levels and the percentage of high school graduates, * Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

Funds are budgeted in existing Federal Programs. FTE is generated when students transition from Part C to Part B and are subsequently enrolled in our Pre-K ESE Program to receive specially designed instruction and related services.

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