Under typical state practice, when should a transition plan begin?

Under typical state practice, when should a transition plan begin?

• A. By age 14.
• B. By age 18.
• C. Typically begins by age 16 (or earlier per state) and is included in the IEP.
• D. Only after high school graduation.

Answer: (C)

Transition planning focuses on preparing a student with a disability for life after high school, with goals in education, employment, and independent living. To make this planning effective, it should start well before graduation and be integrated into the IEP. In typical state practice, this begins by age 16, or earlier if the state allows, and the transition services and goals are included in the IEP. This timing gives the student and family time to set postsecondary goals, arrange needed supports, and coordinate with outside agencies so the student can work toward those goals after high school. Starting the planning any later would leave insufficient time to build necessary skills and line up services, and waiting until after high school graduation would miss the opportunity to prepare and support the student during the transition period.

Transition planning focuses on preparing a student with a disability for life after high school, with goals in education, employment, and independent living. To make this planning effective, it should start well before graduation and be integrated into the IEP. In typical state practice, this begins by age 16, or earlier if the state allows, and the transition services and goals are included in the IEP. This timing gives the student and family time to set postsecondary goals, arrange needed supports, and coordinate with outside agencies so the student can work toward those goals after high school.

Starting the planning any later would leave insufficient time to build necessary skills and line up services, and waiting until after high school graduation would miss the opportunity to prepare and support the student during the transition period.