Selecting Appropriate Assessment Instruments to Ensure Quality Transition Services

Abstract

The transfer from an early intervention system to a program for a 3-year-old is a critical event that not only brings opportunities but also presents challenges to children and their families. In order to help families handle these transition related issues, professionals should collect authentic data about family concerns, needs, and expectations during transition so as to design developmentally and culturally appropriate transition goals and deliver familycentered services. The purpose of this study is twofold: to review and compare possible transition instruments with a focus on reliability and validity; and to describe how to involve families in transition assessment, planning, and intervention activities, thus ensuring a smooth, successful transition for young children.