Even as adults, we’re still re-evaluating our strengths and capabilities, and adjusting our dreams and lifestyles based on what we learn about ourselves. It’s important that we start early in helping our students prepare for adulthood.
Successful post-secondary transition planning includes person-centered transition activities and services that grow with your child over time. You know your student: What do they enjoy doing? What makes them thrive during and after school? What are their interests, strengths and needs? Their responses form the basis of the vision statement.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates that transition planning begin no later than age 16, and some states (like Massachusetts) require school teams to start as early as age 14.
This guide offers transition-specific guidance for building an IEP that will support your child in achieving their goals after high school. And this glossary will help you get familiar with the terms you’ll hear along the way.
The key is collaboration: we encourage parents and educational teams to work together, so that each student can define their own success and achieve meaningful, post-secondary outcomes.
The vision statement is your student’s dream of the future. It should drive the transition planning and lay the foundation for IEP development.”
As you approach the IEP process, you’ll have questions. Here, we share insight and answers for those that are asked frequently.
Transition planning and services should be well-represented and integrated throughout your student’s IEP.
We have tips to make the IEP meeting productive and solution-oriented to support your transition-aged student.
Active participation improves transition outcomes – and that means finding ways to let your student lead.
An educational consultant shares what to look for in your student’s IEP.
There are many elements to crafting a strong, successful IEP – and these are some of the things you’ll want to think about first.
Transition assessments from multiple perspectives should inform your IEP planning.
Incorporate a transition- focused foundation into the vision statement.
Establish a destination that will guide your transition planning.
A committed team and a coordinated approach are critical to building a strong action plan.
Transition planning is a journey, and every family’s is unique. Be resilient, fearless, and open to where your student’s interests and strengths lead.”
We have resources to support your student’s transition goals after high school: services, assessments, and action items appropriate for each pathway.
Our experts are changing the way people think about preparing students with disabilities for their post-secondary journeys – in college, career and the community. Stay up to date about the latest insight, research and resources.