Page 16 - FamilyGuidetoTransitionServices-English

Transition Planning in High School

How and When do I Begin Transition Planning with My Son or Daughter?

ork with your school team to ensure that transition planning begins with the IEP
W no later than when your child turns 14. Every school year until they graduate or
turn 21, there needs to be a thoughtful and comprehensive transition planning
discussion either at the IEP meeting or in conjunction with it. This transition discussion
must be documented annually in the Transition Plan. The Transition Plan is a section
within the IEP that is updated on an annual basis, during the annual IEP meeting.
No later than when a student turns 14, the school district will begin to invite them to
the team meeting. It is important to discuss with the student how they want to
participate in the transition planning process and make these planning meetings
meaningful. It is helpful to prepare the student for the meeting by reviewing the
participants, discussing the purpose of the meeting, and determining the student’s role
in the meeting.

SPAN recommends that parents bring their child to some or all of the IEP meetings
starting from the very first one. Children with disabilities at any age need to
understand their disability, their strengths and needs, and how to participate in the
partnership and advocacy process.

Utilizing a Transition Checklist is always helpful.

For some students it is also helpful to have a pre-meeting with a member of the
team to prepare a Vision Statement about their interests and goals for the IEP
meeting. Utilizing a tool such as the Positive Student Profile can also be helpful.
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