Question:

Dear Ms. Harvell,

I am very confused by the new IDEA law. My daughter attends a California middle school and is in a special day class. She will be turning 14 this year and I don't know if she is to have a transition plan in her IEP? What I read in the new IDEA is that now, transition does not start until the child's 16th birthday. Is this law in effect now? Should I not consider transition for my daughter until she is 16?

Help!

A confused Mom

Answer:

Dear confused mom,

Let me attempt to clarify IDEA 2004’s statement on Transition Services. The Schwab Learning Internet site provides a complete parent friendly interpretation of the IDEA 2004 changes at IDEA 2004 Close Up: The Individualized Education Program (IEP) and includes the following statement regarding the changes in Transition,

“Beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child is 16, and updated annually, the IEP should include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills, and the transition services the child needs to reach those goals. IDEA 2004 eliminates the requirement to begin consideration of a student’s transition service needs at 14 and adds a new requirement for measurable postsecondary goals. This requirement aligns more closely with the process for determining academic and functional goals and then delivering the special education and related services needed to meet those goals. The addition of appropriate transition assessments also helps clarify that transition planning should be based on, and driven by, data as well as the student’s interests.”

Although California is among several states that maintains this age focus (14), it will comply with the change. However, key for educators and parents to remember is that even though the law changes the timing, “best practices” dictates addressing Transition before age 16.

What does “best practices look like to a parent? It means that you definitely should consider Transition for your child, but differently. In a previous “Ask a Specialist” question and answer, I offered activities/options parents to do to prepare your child for life after high school. These activities will help you develop an awareness of your child’s, e.g., strengths, challenges, learning style, etc.

The following are some activities to do with your child:

• Attend IEP meetings and discuss ways to include Transition “talk” (world of work, vocabulary of work) into their goals.
• Complete various surveys, e.g., personal values, learning styles, decision making surveys, career interest (see http://www.dcn-cde.ca.gov/dctrain/Units/4pgs.htm)
• Find out what your child knows about “transitions”. Talk about changes that occur for everyone, everyday and that sometimes change is scary; however, change is good. Let your child know you are available when he or she has questions or concerns about next steps.
• Attend transition fairs.
• Ask to share your job title/responsibilities in your child’s classroom.
• Explore community resources and activities of interest.

Remember do not panic! Put these ideas into operation and let me know how things work out.

Good luck, Priscilla