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Transition timeline: Where to start

Transition planning helps prepare students for their journey from high school to adult life. Here's a timeline of action steps for ages 14 through 21.

Transitions occur at many stages throughout an individual’s life and early planning is a helpful way to ensure that the student, family, school, and community are well-prepared for the  future. The transition process involves identifying the strengths, needs, and preferences of the individual, across multiple settings, including school, work, home, and community. Start young so the progression of planning and programming is streamlined to best support the individual’s future.

The transition from home-based early intervention to preschool is the first transition that many families experience in the educational system with their child, followed a couple of years later by the transition into Kindergarten. Moving on to middle school and high school will happen at different times, depending on the specific school district, but each time the student moves into a new classroom with a new team is a transition. The focus of this article is on the postsecondary transition from high school to adult life.

Who should be involved in transition planning?

Transition planning is highly individualized and is most effective when there is a strong partnership between the student, the family, school-age services and program providers, post-secondary services and program providers, and local community members. The process includes identifying the student’s strengths, interests, preferences, and needs, and then determining what services and supports he or she will need to achieve future success. 

This timeline is a planning tool providing an overview but not an individualized plan. Consult with your transition team or reach out to the Perkins Transition Center for guidance and consultation.

IDEA and transition planning:  What does the law say?

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) ’97 requires that the student’s IEP include:

For all students, starting at age 14 (or younger, when appropriate) and continuing until the student is no longer eligible for special education services, the IEP team must:

Timeline for transition from school to adulthood

Age 14 and younger

By age 16

By age 17

By age 18

By age 19

By age 21

Download a pdf version of the transition timeline

Getting started with Transition Planning:

Entitlement vs Eligibility

Self-Determination and Transition Planning

Incorporating Transition into the IEP

Service Models for Young Adults with Disabilities

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