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Individualized Education Program (IEP)

When youth with an IEP turn 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.

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Acronym Key: EIPD = Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities | 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 | DPI=Department of Public Instructions

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18 results found

Other supports for transition planning, outside of school based services
At the age of 14, support the development of a transition statement for the students IEP. Begin inviting the student to IEP meetings when transition is discussed.

Approximate age: 14-16

Who can help: Individual, Family,/Guardian School/IEP Team

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

Items to include in the IEP
Complete age-appropriate transition assessments which help identify needs, preferences, and 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

Items to include in the IEP
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, EIPD

Items to include in the IEP
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: Student, family, School/IEP Team, EIPD

Items to include in the IEP
Outline accommodations and modifications required for student to access their education.

Approximate age: K-12

Who can help: Student, family/ School/IEP Team

Items to include in the IEP
If applicable, identify related services and service delivery frequency (SLP, OT, PT, etc).

Approximate age: K-12

Who can help: Student, family/ School/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: Individual, Family/Guardian, School/IEP Team

IEP Meeting Considerations
Review course of study options (i.e., certificate versus diploma pathways) to ensure best fit. Present levels and assessment data should inform this decision. *Note once student is in a course of study, changing it happens in unique circumstances. There are implications for graduation timelines.

Approximate age: Age 11-14 (before high school)

Who can help: Individual, Family,/Guardian School/IEP Team

IEP Meeting Considerations
Attend IEP meetings 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/Guardian, School/IEP Team, EIPD

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

Approximate age: K-12

Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, School/IEP Team, EIPD, Managed Care Organization

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

Approximate age: Age 17

Who can help: Individual, Family/Guardian, School/IEP Team, EIPD

IEP Meeting Considerations
Discuss progress towards graduation requirements. This includes IEP goals.

Approximate age: As early as possible & ongoing

Who can help: Individual Family/Guardian, School/IEP Team

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

Approximate age: Throughout high school

Who can help: Individual Family/Guardian, School/IEP Team

IEP Meeting Considerations
IEP Team should refer the student to get evaluated for adult services through the NC Division of Employment and Independence for People with Disabilities. *Note: Evaluation for EIPD adult services could risk in school EIPD services if the student is deemed ineligible for “competitive integrated employment”.

Approximate age: FRC/OCS - Age 17-18 AC: Age 21

Who can help: School, EIPD, Family/Guardian

IEP Meeting Considerations
During the re-evaluation cycle (required every 3 yrs), the IEP team should discuss the need for specific evaluations necessary for enrollment in adult services (i.e., EIPD, Medicaid–see Healthcare Checklist, SSI, SSDI and postsecondary education–see PSE–Postsecondary Education and Adult Services Checklists).

Approximate age: K-12

Who can help: School/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/Guardian

Other supports for transition planning, outside of school based 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: Individual, Family/Guardian

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Disclaimer: These action plans are 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. The “approximate age” listed with each item is a general recommendation for when to get started on an action item; however, everyone has a different timeline and for many of the items, it’s never too late to take action! Have a suggested correction or addition to this checklist? Email worktogethernc@med.unc.edu.

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