How can I make sure the transition to adulthood goes smoothly: IEP Action Plan

Action Plans > How can I make sure the transition to adulthood goes smoothly: IEP Action Plan

IEP Action Plan

When the youth with an IEP turns 16 years of age they will actively engage in individualized transition planning. This process helps youth learn about themselves, make decisions, set goals, and interact with their IEP team to identify objectives and activities.

To create a custom action plan, select the items below that are relevant to you or someone you support. Upon submission, you will see a summary of your items, which is your personalized action plan. This form will not be saved, however you will be able to print the summary, and if you provided an optional email address, the results will be emailed to you immediately.

Acronym key: VR = Vocational Rehabilitation | AC = Adapted Curriculum | OCS = Occupational Course of Study | FRC = Future Ready Core | IEP = Individualized Education Program | SSI = Supplemental Security Income | SSDI = Social Security Disability Insurance

Items to include in the IEP

Develop parent/student’s vision for future (after high school)

Approximate Age: Age 16 (state required) Age 11-14 (best practice) k-6 (recommended) | Who can help: Student, Family, School/IEP Team

Resources: I’m Determined

Complete age-appropriate transition assessments that help identify needs, preferences, interests for post-school goals.

Approximate Age: Age 16 (state required) Age 11-14 (best practice) k-6 (recommended) | Who can help: School/IEP Team

Resources: Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center

Develop the secondary transition goals on the IEP (education/training, employment, and independent living).

Approximate Age: Age 16 (state required) Age 11-14 (best practice) k-6 (recommended) | Who can help: Student, family, school/IEP Team, vocational rehab

Resources: Overview of Transition section IEP (DPI)

Determine transition activities and instruction needed to reach secondary transition goals. At minimum, 1 measurable annual goal should be related to a transition goal.

Approximate Age: Age 16 (state required) Age 11-14 (best practice) k-6 (recommended) | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team, vocational rehab

Resources: Pre-Employment Transition Services

Outline accommodations and modifications required for student to access their education

Approximate Age: K-12 | Who can help: IEP Team

If applicable, identify related services and service delivery frequency (SLP, OT, PT, etc).

Approximate Age: K-12 | Who can help: IEP team

IEP Meeting Considerations

Student should be invited to IEP (regardless of their Course of Study) and supported to express their interests, needs, and goals. Best practice is to prepare the student before the meeting.

Approximate Age: k-12 best practice | Who can help: student, IEP team

Resources: 10 Ways to Involve Young Adults in their IEP Meetings

Review course of study options (i.e., certificate versus diploma pathways) to ensure best fit. Present levels and assessment data should inform this decision.

Approximate Age: Age 11-14 (before high school) | Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team

Resources: High School Graduation Requirements

Note: *once student is in a course of study, changing it happens in unique circumstances. There are implictions for graduation timelines.

Attend IEP meeting and discuss transition goals and services.

Approximate Age: Age 16 (state required) Age 11-14 (best practice) k-6 (recommended) | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team, vocational rehab

A representative from any agency likely to be responsible for providing/paying for transition services can attend IEP meeting with parent consent (if not 18 already).

Approximate Age: K-12 | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team, vocational rehab, managed care organization

Discuss transfer of rights one year prior to 18, when rights to make decisions for the IEP will transfer to the student fully (unless alternatives to guardianship have been established).

Approximate Age: Age 17 | Who can help: Individual, family, school/IEP Team, vocational rehab

Resources: DRNC Guardianship Info

Discuss progress towards graduation requirements. This includes IEP goals.

Approximate Age: As early as possible & ongoing | Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team

Discuss desired age of exit (18, 19, 20, 21 or year of 22nd birthday) based on the students’ progress and goals. Note, anyone with an IEP can advocate for extended time in school after turning 18.

Approximate Age: Throughout high school | Who can help: Individual, family, School/IEP Team

Note: FRC and OCS students who choose to exit at year 5 (i.e., instead of year 4) will need to follow district policy for graduation requirements. Specific pacing of scheduling core courses will be necessary for student to be enrolled.

IEP Team should refer the individual to get evaluated for VR adult services

Approximate Age: FRC/OCS – Age 17-18 AC: Age 21 | Who can help: School, VR, Family

Note: Evaluation for VR adult services could risk in school VR services if student is deemed ineligible for “competitive integrated employment”

During the re-evaluation cycle (required every 3 yrs), team should discuss need for specific evaluations necessary for enrollment in adult services (i.e. VR, Medicaid (Home & Community Based Services), SSI, SSDI) and postsecondary education (see postsecondary education and adult services checklist)

Approximate Age: K-12 | Who can help: IEP Team

Other supports for transition planning, outside of school based services

Explore Work Together NC’s library of transition planning services

Approximate Age: As early as possible | Who can help: Individual/Family

Resources: Transition Planning Services

Contact the Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center for help understanding and advocating for your rights within the school system

Approximate Age: When needed | Who can help: Family

Resources: Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center

Additional Items

Add any additional items that you would like to include in your Action Plan.

Provide an email address to receive a copy of this custom Action Plan.

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Disclaimer: This checklist is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be comprehensive, and should not be taken as legal advice. Services and programs mentioned may vary by county. Please consult with professionals with expertise in this topic area for guidance specific to you, your family or student/client’s situation. Have a suggested correction or addition to this checklist? Email worktogethernc@med.unc.edu.