IEP & Transition PlanningLinda Lowery & Naomi McCoolWhittier Union HS DistrictFebruary 15, 2012

Postsecondary GoalChase

EducationFull-inclusion student

with speech services/ABAGraduate from HS with

diplomaBe prepared for

Community College

EmploymentDevelop work skills in

HSVolunteer experienceTake computer course

Explore careers in computer science

Community Involvement

Continue in social skills group

Participate on HS swim team

Clubs on campus

Independent LivingExplore public

transportation/AccessTime management & Organizational skills

Prepare for living independently in future

Overview

•Understanding the transition plan•Aspects of a successful transition plan

▫Education▫Employment▫Independent Living Skills

•Supporting your child to participate in the process

Transition Planning—What is it?• A coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within

an outcome-oriented process, that promotes movement from school to postschool activities, including postsecondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.

• The coordinated set of activities… must – ▫ (1) Be based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into

account the student’s preference and interests; and ▫ (2) Include needed activities in the areas of –

(i) Instruction; (ii) Community experiences; (iii) The development of employment and other postschool adult

living objectives; and (iv) If appropriate, the acquisition of daily living skills and

functional vocational evaluation [emphasis added] (34 CFR § 300.18).

Transition Planning—What is it?•An individual transition plan (ITP) is mandated

by IDEA legislation▫Must be part of the IEP before a student turns

16▫Must have measurable postsecondary and

annual goals▫Must be individualized!

•All members of the IEP team are important to creating a good transition plan▫STUDENT! Parents, teachers, school staff,

outside agencies

ITP: Education•Education

▫High school graduation options: University Requirements—meet requirements to

enroll at a 4- year college after graduation 2 years foreign language, higher level math and

science courses, C’s or better in academic courses Diploma—meet district graduation requirements &

take CAHSEE exam Certificate—complete IEP specified courses

Should include vocational and independent living skills curriculum

Student eligible for district services through age of 22

ITP: Education•Postsecondary educational options

▫University▫Community College▫Vocational/Technical Schools▫ROP Programs▫Adult School

•Encourage your child to explore training options!▫Talk with college/career staff on campus▫Attend college tours and college fairs▫Research programs online

ITP: Education

•What services are available to students in college?▫The IEP ends when a student graduates

from high school or reaches the age of 22▫At college, can apply for Disabled Student

Programs and Services (DSP&S) Accommodations in classes Priority registration for classes Academic counseling Students are expected to be self-advocates in

college!

ITP: Employment

•Employment▫Career Planning should reflect:

Dreams Personality/preferences Interests Results of interest inventories O*net and California Career Zone are great

online exploration tools!

ITP: Employment

•Employment preparation▫While in high school, students can prepare

themselves for employment by: Completing practice applications (esp. online!)

and reviewing interview questions Build resume through…

Involvement in extracurricular activities Volunteer experience Part-time work experience

Students under the age of 18 must qualify for a work permit to have a job while in high school

ITP: Employment

•Employment related support services▫Workability

Placement in paid try-out employment while student is in high school

▫Department of Rehabilitation Job development and placement Can apply while in high school but also

eligible into adulthood

ITP: Employment

•Employment related support services▫Regional Center

Supported employment services▫Social Security (SSI)

It pays to work! Earned income exclusion—can still receive

portion of benefits while working

ITP: Independent Living Skills• Important to prepare your child to develop skills

to become more independent as a young adult•Community involvement

▫Exploring opportunities on campus and in the community Sports, clubs, volunteering, social groups

•Daily living skills▫What chores and responsibilities are completed at

home?▫What do they need to learn to prepare for

independent living or responsibility as an adult?

ITP: Independent Living Skills

•Transportation▫Public transportation▫Driver’s license

Practice tests and information available at dmv.ca.gov

▫Access•Future living plans

▫Find out what is important for your child!•Conservatorship

Preparing for Success

•Families play an important role in this process!▫Encourage self-advocacy and your child’s

involvement in the IEP process▫Help your child develop disability

awareness▫Be part of your child’s career and college

exploration process▫Respect your child’s interests▫Talk about the future…starting NOW!