Early Intervention to Preschool at Age 3 in Illinois

Updated November 2026.

In Illinois, Early Intervention (EI) services end at a child's third birthday. If your child may still need support, your EI service coordinator refers your child to your local school district. A transition planning conference must be held at least 90 days before the third birthday. The district then decides whether your child is eligible for Early Childhood Special Education, and if so, an IEP must be ready to start by the third birthday.

Here is how the move from EI to preschool services works, step by step.

Two programs, two agencies

• Early Intervention serves children from birth to 3 under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Since July 1, 2026, Illinois Early Intervention is run by the Illinois Department of Early Childhood. Services are written in an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).
• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) serves eligible children from age 3 under Part B of IDEA. It is provided by your local school district, with the Illinois State Board of Education overseeing special education. Services are written in an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

If you are new to EI, see our guide to Early Intervention in Illinois.

The transition timeline

According to the Illinois State Board of Education's family guide to turning 3:

• Around 2 years, 3 months: transition talks can begin.
• By 2 years, 6 months: transition planning must begin, and the service coordinator sends a referral packet to the school district.
• Between 2 years, 3 months and 2 years, 9 months: the transition planning conference is held, at least 90 days before the third birthday. You, your EI team and the school district meet to plan next steps.
• Evaluation: the district reviews what it knows and decides which evaluations are needed. You must give written consent before any evaluation.
• Eligibility: the IEP team decides whether your child qualifies for special education.
• Third birthday: if eligible, the IEP is ready to start. EI services end the day before the birthday.

Summer birthdays

Children whose third birthday falls between May 1 and August 31 may be able to use the Early Intervention/Extended Services option. If your child is eligible for EI and found eligible for ECSE, your family can choose to continue current EI services until the start of the school year instead of starting the IEP on the birthday. Once a child leaves EI after turning 3, they cannot go back to EI.

If your child is not eligible

Being in EI does not guarantee eligibility for special education. If your child does not qualify, the team can talk about activities at home and in the community. You can also disagree with the results and use your parent rights. Many families look at community preschools or state-funded programs. See our guide to Preschool for All Illinois.

If your child goes to daycare

• Ask the district where and when services would happen, and how they could fit with your child's daycare schedule.
• Share what you want to share. With your permission, teachers can tell the IEP team what they see in the classroom, such as how your child plays and talks with others.
• Keep teachers in the loop about goals they can support during the day.
• Plan for the change. Visit any new classroom with your child and talk about it in simple words.

Not in Early Intervention?

If your child was never in EI but you have concerns at age 3 or later, you can contact your school district directly. Districts offer free screening for young children. See our guide to free preschool screening in Illinois.

Frequently asked questions

What happens to Early Intervention when my child turns 3?

EI ends the day before the third birthday. Eligible children can start preschool special education through the school district.

When is the transition planning conference?

It must be held at least 90 days before the third birthday, usually between 2 years, 3 months and 2 years, 9 months.

What is the difference between an IFSP and an IEP?

An IFSP is the Early Intervention plan for children under 3 and their families. An IEP is the school district's special education plan from age 3.

Can my child keep going to daycare with an IEP?

Many families combine daycare with district services. Ask your district how and where services would be provided.

Growing at Children's Land

Our Exploring the World Program is for children 2 to 3, and our Independence Journey Program is for ages 3 to 4. Ask your location how teachers can support your child's goals. Find a location or contact us to schedule a tour.

Related reading: Free Preschool Screening in Illinois: How Child Find Works.