Early Transition Resources

2BSD - The 2BSD provides information and resources for self-determination, using an action model for self-determination. You can use this website to learn about the concept of self-determination. Additionally, in the resources section of the website, there is a Self-Determination Supports for Parents Scale and Self-Determination Educators Scale available for free.  

I’m Determined!  - The I’m Determined project, a state-directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior. This project enables youth, especially those with disabilities, to undertake a measure of control in their lives, helping to set and steer the course rather than remain silent. Resources are available for educators (elementary through high school), parents, and students.

PACER Center: Self-Determination  - The PACER Center enhances the quality of life and expands opportunities for children, youth, and young adults with disabilities and their families so each person can reach his or her highest potential. PACER operates on the principles of parents helping parents, supporting families, promoting a safe environment for all children, and working in collaboration with others.

Texas Project FIRST: What is Self-Determination?  - This page from Texas Project FIRST (created by parents for parents) examines self-determination and what parents need to know. The home page also has many other informational resources.  

University of Kansas Beach Center on Disability: Self-Determination - The Beach Center on Disability focuses research, training, and advocacy on promoting abilities of people of all ages who experience disability, to ensure a self-determined, goal-driven, and self-selected quality of life within communities. The Families and  Self-Determination sections of the website provide resources and self-assessments for family members.

Children’s Learning Institute  - The Children’s Learning Institute (CLI) is a leader in developing research-based tools to improve early education quality. In 2014, CLI partnered with state agencies to build a platform that could deliver these tools to many programs. This platform, CLI Engage, now houses free resources for educators and families of children from birth to 2nd grade.  PreK to grade 2 activities are structured around a standard lesson cycle, with teacher tips and extensions to enrich implementation. The family collection includes activities that are designed or adapted for parents and caregivers to support skill growth using everyday materials in the home environment. English and Spanish versions of all activities are available. 

Navigate Life Texas - Navigate Life Texas was developed by parents, for parents. Most of the content is written by parents of children and adults with disabilities or special health care needs. 

Parent Companion - Parent Companion is a website that can connect parents with each other and help them find the support and services they may need. Resources include tips for navigating transitions, agencies that can provide assistance, and a list of important developmental milestones.

Partners Resource Network  - Partners Resource Network is a non-profit agency that operates the Texas statewide network of Parent Training and Information Centers [PTIs are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)]. The PTI projects are: PATH, PEN, and TEAM. 

Global Family Research Project  - This project promotes innovative program development, family-provider relationships, community collaborations, and successful transitions. This collaborative project provides 

resources to assist with empowering family engagement in their child’s learning, from early childhood to young adulthood. A free resource, “Why Family Engagement Matters for Student and School Success,” presents proven strategies for creating ongoing relationships to support student success. 

Division for Early Childhood - The Division for Early Childhood (DEC) promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.  The DEC Recommended Practices provide guidance to practitioners and families about the most effective ways to promote learning outcomes and promote the development of young children. Topics addressed include: assessment, environment, family, instruction, interaction, teaming and collaboration, and transition.

Early Childhood Education in Texas - Texas Education Agency’s website provides support for effective and aligned early learning opportunities.  This website includes educator resources, family resources, and information about high-quality prekindergarten. 

Prekindergarten State Standards - The revised prekindergarten guidelines are aligned with the Kindergarten Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), sequenced to follow child development and give teaching strategies for each of the guidelines. The new guidelines offer educators the information and support to prepare all children for success in kindergarten. 

Kindergarten Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills - The State Board of Education (SBOE) has legislative authority to adopt the TEKS for each subject of the required curriculum. This is where you will find the TEKS for kindergarten.