What is transition?
Transition is the process that prepares students for adult life after high school. Starting at age 14 (by the day your child turns 14) there needs to be a statement of transition service needs. This is the long-range educational plan that ensures students take the appropriate classes in high school. It prepares them either for college or for the world of work, depending on the interests and wishes of the student and his/her parents.
There must be a transition statement (long range goal) in the IEP, based on the student’s preference, and it must take into consideration the student’s needs and desires. In other words, the IEP should now focus on what your child wants in adult life. Starting at age 16, or younger if appropriate, there needs to be a statement of needed transition services.
This is a much broader plan and includes areas of instruction, employment, community experiences, post-school adult living, related services, and if appropriate, daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation. At least one year prior to turning 18, the IEP must address that your son or daughter will reach the age of majority and begin making IEP decisions for him/herself. Transition is based on long-range outcomes, not annual goals.
It is critical to start with transition planning at the beginning of the IEP when a student is 14 or older. Transition should become the strategy that guides the rest of the IEP. Students are required to be invited to their IEP meeting if transition will be discussed.
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey Street, 4th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
973-642-8100
www.spannj.org
Guidelines for Transition: Basic Stuff to Know!
· At age 14 (the birthday, not the entry into high school) all students must be invited to their IEP. Further, the letter to the parents must indicate that transition will be discussed. The word transition must be somewhere in that letter.
· By the student’s 14th birthday, there must be a Statement of Transition Service Needs. This is the long-range educational plan for each student. Some future prospective courses, based on the student’s desired outcome upon graduation from high school should be included. (Yes, sometimes students will change their mind!)
· By the student’s 16th birthday, there must be a Statement of Needed Transition Services. This is the coordinated long range plan for life and shall include instruction (already addressed at age 14), community experiences, related services, the development of employment and other post-school living objectives, and if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional evaluation.
· At least three years prior to students reaching the age of majority (18) the IEP team must meet with students and provide information to them about reaching age of majority – their rights, etc.
· Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) will provide consultation to a student at age 14. They can determine eligibility up to two years prior to graduation.
· Families who have children eligible for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) can determine eligibility from birth. These families can choose to link with DDD before DVRS in terms of adult living support. These agencies have agreed to determine eligibility of a person independently of the other. DDD can put a student on a wait list for day programming three years prior to exiting the school if appropriate.
· The child study team case manager is responsible for transition planning!!!
· Students should meet transition components of the IEP before graduation; a student who hasenough credits to graduate has not automatically met his/her transition components.
Statewide Parent Advocacy Network
35 Halsey Street, 4th Floor
Newark, NJ 07102
973-642-8100
www.spannj.org