Transition to School and Work: A blueprint for your child's success after high school

By: National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (2004)

What is Transition Planning?

Transition planning is a process that should help ensure your child's happiness, success, and satisfaction after high school and onto further work, future education, and adulthood.

Transition Planning is Important

You can help build your child's future. Your involvement is important because you know your child best. As the parent of a student with a learning disability, you understand the challenges your child faces. Early planning is critical because choices made starting in middle school can open or close doors to the future.

Planning Your Child's Future!

Special education law, the Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004), requires that the school begin this transition planning process no later than the time your child is 16-years-old.

• Learn how transition planning works at your school
• Be prepared.
  • Collect information about your child
  • Set goals for the future with your child
  • Learn about resources
• Be an active team member
  • You and your child need to attend all meetings- You are equal team members
• Stay Involved
  • Periodically review and monitor the transition plan and services with other team members

Collect Information About Your Child

• What are your child's interests and abilities right now?
• What are your child's goals for the future?
• What skills and experiences does your child need to reach those goals?

Know Your Child's Interests and Abilities

Academic achievement

• Academic abilities and basic skills
• Learning strategies
• Necessary courses for future life goals
• Classroom/course adjustments

Work skills

• Experiences
• Career exploration and interests

Interests and abilities

• Extra-curricular activities
• Social interests
• Hobbies
• Talents

Level of independence

• Life skills
• Self-advocacy skills
• Responsibility

For More Information

• Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)

  IDEA 2004 news, information and resources for students with disabilities

• Parent Advocacy Coalition for Educational Rights (PACER)

  Information and resources for parents of children with disabilities

• National Center on Secondary Education and Transition

  Information and assistance on postsecondary planning for students with disabilities

• National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities (NICHCY)

  Information on various disabilities, IDEA 2004, No Child Left Behind, and research based information on effective educational practices.

• National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities

Copies of all of the National Joint Committee on Learning Disabilities (NJCLD) documents including reports relating to transition planning for students with learning disabilities.

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