Child's Rights to a Special Education
by David Sherman
Ordering Information
SAMPLE CHAPTER
Extended School Year Services
Transition Services - Training to deal with life after high school
Your school district has a duty to prepare your child for life after high school. Depending on the needs of your child, the school district may have to provide an array of services. These can include assistance in employment, training, a supportive assisted living program (such as a group home where the students learn the basics of how to cook, clean and care for one's self), assistance in adjusting to a college, learning transportation such as the bus system or how to drive, and many other things.
What are transition services?
Transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that is designed to be within a result oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-secondary activities, including post-secondary education; vocational education; integrated employment (including supported employment); continuing and adult education; adult services; independent living or community participation.
When do transition services start?
Under the IDEA, transition services should begin not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child is 16 and updated annually thereafter. The IEP must include (1) appropriate measurable post-secondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills (2) The transition services (including courses of study) need to assist the child in reaching those goals.
You should also check your state statutes. In California, transition services can begin when the student turns 14.
Transition services should be based on the child's needs, taking into account the child's strengths, preferences, and interests; and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
In order to maximize your child's transition services, consider making written requests for assessment in all areas where you think that transition services might be appropriate - learning a job or vocation, learning independent living, transportation, independent living, adjusting to a college campus. Seek advice from your private expert if you have one.
Be careful when the goals and objectives are developed in the transition IEP. Once the goals and objectives are met, transition services may terminate.