Professional Practice and Collaboration
Domain 6 tests collaboration, legal and ethical responsibilities, and transition across early childhood systems.
Teams and legal requirements
EI and preschool special education are team-based. Under Part C, the IFSP team includes the family, service coordinator, and providers; under Part B, the IEP team includes parents, general and special educators, and related service providers. Procedural safeguards include prior written notice, parental consent, confidentiality under FERPA and HIPAA, and dispute resolution. Providers must not disclose child information without consent except as allowed by law.
Collaboration and transition
Effective teams use role release, mutual respect, and regular communication. Consultation and coaching support classroom teachers and paraeducators; the supervising professional remains responsible for delegated tasks. Evidence-based practice, reflective supervision, and continuing education maintain competence. The transition from Part C to Part B begins at least 90 days before the third birthday: the IFSP team develops a transition plan, notifies the local education agency, and holds a transition conference. An IEP must be in place by the third birthday if the child is eligible.
Worked example
A child in EI turns 3 in four months. The service coordinator schedules a transition conference, invites the family and LEA representative, and, with parental consent, shares evaluation reports. The LEA evaluates for Part B eligibility; the IEP team meets before the birthday. The reasoning: timelines and consent protect the family, and early planning prevents a gap in services.
Traps
Do not wait until the birthday to begin transition, share records without consent, or let one discipline dominate team decisions. Avoid treating paraeducators as independent decision-makers.