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Postsecondary Education

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Learning is lifelong and doesn’t end with high school. Postsecondary education settings include universities and colleges, as well as trade, continuing education, and vocational schools.

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Acronym Key: IDEA=Individuals with Disabilities Education Act | ADA=Americans with Disabilities Act | CTP=Comprehensive Transition Program | IEP=Individualized Education Program | FERPA=Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act | EIPD= Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities | MCO= Managed Care Organization | PSE=Postsecondary Education

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Develop “back up” plans in case the student is not admitted to their desired PSE program or any programs. Consider ways a “gap year” could be used to further prepare for PSE.
Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: When applying to PSE programs
Review how high school course of study could impact the student’s postsecondary options (i.e., certificate versus diploma pathway).
Who can help: School/IEP Team
Approximate age: 13 (Middle School) and ongoing
Resources:
HS graduation requirements HS graduation requirements:
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/high-school-graduation-requirements#Future-ReadyCourseofStudy22creditsStudentsenteringGrade9in2021-2022-1951
Work on study skills and organizational habits (i.e., using time management tools).
Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing
Resources:
Skills for college success Skills for college success:
https://thinkcollege.net/think-college-news/foundational-skills-for-college-and-career-success
Explore options for postsecondary education, training, or continuing education. As a starting point, check out Work Together NC’s postsecondary education program library and What’s Next: College!? Toolkit.
Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: Start in middle school and ongoing
Resources:
NC postsecondary education programs NC postsecondary education programs:
https://worktogethernc.com/services/?_services_type=post-secondary-education
What’s next college guide What’s next college guide:
https://worktogethernc.com/resource/whats-next-college-a-guided-exploration-of-nc-inclusive-postsecondary-options-for-students-with-disabilities/
Review how high school course of study could impact the student’s postsecondary options (i.e., certificate versus diploma pathway).
Who can help: School/IEP Team
Approximate age: 13 (Middle School) and ongoing
Resources:
HS graduation requirements HS graduation requirements:
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/districts-schools/high-school-graduation-requirements#Future-ReadyCourseofStudy22creditsStudentsenteringGrade9in2021-2022-1951
Become familiar with the key differences between high school and college (I.e., IDEA vs ADA, accommodations vs modifications, IEP vs person centered planning, changes in expectations).
Who can help: Individual, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: 14
Resources:
Navigating the High School to College Transition Navigating the High School to College Transition:
https://www.uscareerinstitute.edu/online-high-school/navigating-the-high-school-to-college-transition
Transition of Students With Disabilities To Postsecondary Education Transition of Students With Disabilities To Postsecondary Education:
https://www.ed.gov/teaching-and-administration/supporting-students/transition-of-students-with-disabilities-to-postsecondary-education-a-guide-for-high-school-educators
Attend open houses, college fairs, virtual or in-person tours of postsecondary options.
Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: Start at 14 and ongoing
Resources:
NC virtual college fair NC virtual college fair:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU7CXmuT8dc&list=PLMQcjNK-aUMTgp-Xbzbf7D9tmssAs2Ou8
Become familiar with parental rights regarding the young person’s educational records, as outlined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Who can help: Family
Approximate age: Year before entry to postsecondary program
Resources:
Parent rights handbook Parent rights handbook:
https://www.dpi.nc.gov/parent-rights-handbook/download
Identify a representative from chosen postsecondary option to attend IEP meetings, if possible.
Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team
Approximate age: Year before entry to postsecondary program
Resources:
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Gather more information on support services offered at programs of interest (i.e., disability services, peer support groups). Connect with the accessibility and disability support services office when visiting college campuses or vocational programs.
Who can help: Individual, Family, School/IEP Team, Postsecondary Program
Approximate age: 16-18

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