Navigating the Shift

This qualitative phenomenological study examined parents’ perceptions and experiences during the transition from early intervention to Part B early childhood special education services. The purpose of the study was to explore how parents experienced the transition process and identify common themes related to communication, collaboration between agencies, and parental involvement. Participants included parents of children who recently transitioned from Part C to Part B services. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and were transcribed, coded, and analyzed to identify patterns across participants’ experiences. Analysis of the data resulted in several key themes, including communication and collaboration, emotional experiences, barriers, and parent reflections. Findings from this study provide a deeper understanding of parents’ experiences during this transition and highlight the importance of effective communication, collaboration, and support. Implications for practice include the need for clearer communication, increased opportunities for parent preparation, and stronger collaboration between early intervention and school-based providers to support smoother transitions for families.