K-6th Grade
Begin involving your student in IEP meetings (if they aren't already).
Age 14
In the state of Kansas, transition begins being addressed on annual IEPs. At this time, you will begin identifying post-secondary goals in the areas of employment, training/education, and independent living. These goals are revisited at each annual IEP meeting, and can change just like any other annual IEP goal.
Sign up for Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS). Pre-ETS provides "job exploration, counseling and other services to help students with disabilities prepare for employment and self-reliance". Pre-ETS can provide services at school and in the workplace.
Ages 14-15
Continue exploring employment, training/education, and independent living post-secondary goals. Your child should be participating in a wide range of transition assessments during this time to help narrow down the field.
Begin considering guardianship. Guardianship is the process through which you continue to have the right to make decisions (medical, educational, etc) for your child after they turn 18. If you believe this is the correct path, you may want to start saving money, as this can be costly.
Age 16
Job shadowing and sampling should begin now, if it hasn't already. We will be utilizing school staff as well as Pre-ETS and Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) staff.
Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). While our IEP system currently says that we refer to vr 18 months prior to a student graduating from high school or completing a program, your child is eligible to apply for VR after their 16th birthday.
Age 17-18
Revisit post-secondary goals. In the last years of high school, your student's post-secondary goals should really be what they are working towards.
Internships and volunteer placements. We will be participating in internships or volunteer placements that can prepare your student for the post-secondary school workforce.
Guardianship. After your child turns 18, they become in charge of their educational, medical, and life decisions. If you have chosen guardianship, you must do that now! The process can be time-consuming!
Ages 18-21
If you choose to continue into our 18-21 program, your young adult will have their daily education shifted from academics to functional workplace and independent living tasks.
Look for appropriate independent living settings/supports. Check out our "Agencies + Organizations" page for more information.