Page 12 - FamilyGuidetoTransitionServices-English

What Is the Parent’s Role in
Parent and Student Participation
Transition Planning?

arents have a key role in preparing their child
P for the transition from school to work and
adult life. Hopefully, the process was already
started when the student was in elementary and
middle school, and the student has begun to learn
about different jobs and participate in community and
school activities. Parents need to provide increasing opportunities for their
child to develop the skills needed to become as independent as possible in
areas such as performing household chores, taking care of hygiene needs,
making choices, and advocating for themselves and their own needs in
school, community activities, and their own health care.

In New Jersey, transition planning starts no later than the school year in
which the student will turn age 14 (age 16 under federal law). The best
advice for parents beginning this process is to START EARLY! There is a lot
of information available about the transition process and the child’s rights
under special education laws as well as about post-school options and
adult agencies. It can all seem overwhelming, especially at the beginning,
but help and support is available from a variety of places—local school
districts, state agencies, community and family organizations like SPAN,
and other families who have been through this process with their children.

An activity that can help educate parents about available
transition resources is the “Transition from School to
Adult Life” Transition Workshop offered by SPAN at
various locations across the state during the school year.

Parents have so much to share about their child’s strengths,
needs, interests, and dreams. This is important information
to discuss at annual IEP meetings and to use in designing
appropriate transition services.
Parents are essential partners with the school district
throughout the entire special education process; this is especially
true during transition planning. A parent’s most important role in
the transition process is to ensure that the student’s voice is heard and that all
team members listen and support the student in developing the skills they need
to live an adult life that is as independent and meaningful as possible.
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