From preschool to school: Part C, Part B and age 3

Disclaimer: Informational content only. Not legal, tax, financial or investment advice. Always verify with a licensed professional in Puerto Rico. Data comes from public sources — mainly each firm's website or, for doctors, the directory cited on the listing — and may change.

The move from preschool to formal school is a key transition. In Puerto Rico, services change agencies at age 3: before age 3, the Department of Health serves the child; from age 3, the Department of Education. This guide explains both systems and how the transition works.

Part C: Avanzando Juntos (ages 0 to 3)

The "Avanzando Juntos" Early Intervention Services System, authorized by Part C of federal IDEA, is an island-wide, coordinated, multidisciplinary, interagency, family-centered system delivered in the child's natural environment. The lead agency in Puerto Rico is the Department of Health (Mothers, Children and Adolescents Division), with centers in Arecibo, Bayamón, Caguas, Fajardo, Mayagüez, Ponce and San Juan.

Who qualifies: infants and toddlers with developmental delay, eligible from 0 to 36 months of age, and their families. Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary team (two providers from two different disciplines, the services coordinator and the family) for one of three reasons: (1) a medical diagnosis with high probability of delay; (2) delay of 33% or more in one developmental area, or 25% or more in two or more areas; or (3) informed clinical opinion of the team.

The PISF: eligible participants receive an Individualized Family Service Plan (PISF), with services designed individually according to the child's needs and family priorities, using a coaching, counseling and family education approach. Services include speech-language pathology, physical and occupational therapy, psychology and special instruction, and are completely free.

Transition at age 3

The transition process must begin no later than 90 days before the child turns 3. Participants include the Avanzando Juntos services coordinator, Special Education Program staff and parents. If the child is potentially eligible for Part B services (has an active PISF and has not reached their functional outcome), evaluation for the Department of Education's Special Education Program is coordinated.

Part B: Special Education (ages 3 to 21)

From age 3, the Department of Education is responsible for educational and related services, from age 3 through age 21 inclusive (Act 51 of 1996). The process is: registration at the CSEE, initial evaluation within 30 days, eligibility determination within 30 days of evaluation, and PEI drafting (see the guide to requesting services).

To find therapists with verified licenses, visit the special education & therapy category.

General information, not legal or medical advice. Reviewed 2026-11-05.