Transition Services
Planning for Life After High School
As students grow, it's important to begin planning for life after graduation. Transition services help students with disabilities prepare for adulthood by building the skills, experiences, and confidence needed to achieve their goals.
Beginning no later than the first Individualized Education Program (IEP) in effect when a student turns 15 years old, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) develops a transition plan that reflects the student's strengths, interests, preferences, and future goals.
Transition planning is individualized and evolves each year as students gain new experiences and refine their plans for the future.
What Is Transition Planning?
Transition planning is a collaborative process that helps students prepare for life after high school. Together, students, families, and the CSE develop goals and identify experiences that support success in areas such as:
- Postsecondary education or training
- Employment and career exploration
- Independent living skills, when appropriate
- Community participation
- Self-advocacy and decision-making
Students are encouraged to take an active role in planning for their future and are invited to participate in CSE meetings where transition services are discussed.
What Might Transition Services Include?
Transition services are based on each student's individual goals and may include opportunities such as:
- Career exploration and interest inventories
- Job shadowing or work-based learning experiences
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
- College and campus visits
- Dual enrollment opportunities
- Instruction in self-advocacy and self-determination
- Independent living skills, such as budgeting, transportation, or daily living skills
- Connections with adult service agencies and community resources
Partnering with Families
Families play an important role in helping students prepare for adulthood. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate in transition planning, discuss future goals with their child, and share their hopes and priorities during CSE meetings.
Working together, we can develop a plan that prepares each student for a successful transition to adult life.
Transition Planning Timeline
Transition planning is an ongoing process that grows with your child.
| Student Age | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| 12–14 | Students begin exploring interests, strengths, and future possibilities through career awareness and self-advocacy activities. |
| 15 | Formal transition planning begins as part of the IEP. Postsecondary goals and transition activities are developed, and students are invited to participate in CSE meetings. |
| 16–18 | Students participate in career exploration, work-based learning, college planning, and increased self-advocacy. Transition goals are reviewed and updated annually. |
| 19–21 | Planning focuses on employment, postsecondary education or training, independent living, and connecting students with adult services and community resources. |
Questions about transition services or your child's transition plan can be directed to the Office of Pupil Personnel Services.