There is a Transition Planning Form (TPF) that you will fill out along with the IEP form, starting when your child is 14.
You will update it every year.
Make sure this reflects your child's future goals!
Here's what you can do:
-
Think carefully about this section. Make sure it includes your vision of what you see your child doing after school. Do they need job preparation? Will they need to learn skills for group or independent living? Do they need services to help them prepare for college?
-
Download a blank copy of the TPF so you can get familiar with it. Click the link at the bottom of the page to download a PDF copy of the form. (It will open in a new tab or appear in the bottom corner of your screen.)
We'll break it up into smaller parts below.
The IEP Team will help you fill out the top of the TPF:
Part 1: Post-Secondary Vision
This describes your child's interests and goals for what they'll do after high school (or when they turn 22).The vision statement from the IEP will help shape this.
These are examples of what your child may be working towards:
-
vocational (job) training
-
employment
-
college
-
independent living
-
living with parents or in a group home.
Part 2: Disability-related Needs
This should include the skills and services your child will need in order to achieve your vision from Part 1.
Make sure that all of your concerns are addressed here, and that there are services to support all of them.
Part 3: Action Plan
This part describes a plan for which community activities, classes, or job opportunities can help your child achieve their vision after high school.
Learn more about Transition Planning in the section on Teens, below.
Source: MA DESE