This session will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of planning for successful transitions across the early childhood continuum—from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to Early Intervention (Part C), and ultimately to school-based (Part B) services. Presenters will describe key processes that promote continuity of care, interdisciplinary collaboration, and proactive transition planning at each stage. The session will emphasize the importance of recognizing and incorporating family priorities and feedback to ensure that transitions are responsive, family-centered, and developmentally appropriate.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the process of planning for a “successful” transition from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to early intervention (EI)/Part C to school based/Part B services 
• Reference evidence-based resources to assist NICU, EI and school-based teams with developing a plan of care before, during and after transitions
• Recognize family priorities and feedback regarding the transition process.

Heather Higashi, PT, DPT: Heather worked in early intervention (EI) and early childhood special education with Northwest Regional Education Service District (NWRESD) in Oregon as a new professional. After stepping away for a year to complete the pediatric physical therapy residency program at Oregon Health & Science University, she returned to NWRESD to work full-time in EI. She has been a Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy since 2023. Heather serves as the secretary for the Early Intervention Special Interest Group of the APTA Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy and as an adjunct faculty member in the physical therapy program at Pacific University and Western University of Health Sciences-Oregon campus.

Jennifer James is a licensed physical therapist in the state of Kansas. She received a DPT from the University of Oklahoma in 2016, where she was a LEND fellow. Dr. James practiced as an early interventionist at the Family, Infant, and Preschool Program in Morganton, North Carolina for 6 years. During this time, she participated in research and international training programs related to coaching, natural learning environment practices, and primary service provider teaming. She is now an assistant teaching professor at Wichita State University, where she teaches courses and supervises a team of pediatric clinical providers. Dr. James has ABPTS specialist certifications in both pediatrics and neurology, and she currently serves as vice chair of the APTA Pediatrics Early Intervention Special Interest Group. 

Kate Stribling, PT, DPT: Kate started her career as a physical therapist in early intervention (EI) in Alabama before completing the pediatric physical therapy residency program at Oregon Health and Science University. She has been a physical therapist with Portland Public Schools (PPS) since 2016, working with school-age students and with families with infants and young children during that time. She has been a Board Certified Specialist in Pediatric Physical Therapy since 2017. Kate is active with the APTA’s Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy in a variety of roles and is a member of APTA Oregon’s Cultural and Minority Affairs Committee.