by: Jean Murrell Adams, Esq.

August 2025

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), our country has dramatically evolved in the way we educate and view children with disabilities. But did you know that the IDEA was revised in 2004 to supercharge transition services that prepare students with disabilities for post-high school education and workforce inclusion? We don’t want our young adults languishing at home in isolation. Instead, we now understand that persons of varying abilities can and must be woven into the general fabric of our society. And school districts and charter schools are responsible for getting them there.

What are “Transition Services”?

The IDEA defines transition as a “results-oriented process” to improve the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability. This furthers the IDEA’s goal of easing transition from school to the work force or higher education. Transition services are very broad, and should be designed to allow students to live as independently as possible, given the extent of their disabilities. Like all other special education services and supports, transition services must be customized for the child’s unique needs. However, unlike other services, transition must consider the student’s “strengths, preferences and interests”. For example, if your child has a learning disability and really wants to be a firefighter when she grows up, her school district should assist her in reaching her vocational goal.

When do transition services kick in?

Under federal law, transition services must begin no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16 and updated annually after that. However, California recently enacted a law requiring transition services to begin by the 9th grade (age 14). The transition IEP must include “appropriate measurable postsecondary goals”.

How do I know what services my child needs?

As with any special education program, start with testing. Parents will need to sign an Assessment Plan giving the school district or charter school permission for transition testing. Transition or vocational evaluations must be age-appropriate and related to training, education, employment and (if appropriate) independent living skills. Testing must recommend transition services (including courses of study) needed to help these teens reach their goals. Remember, the IEP team has to review this testing and agree on goals and programming, so it’s best to get started before the transition IEP team meeting.

Should my teen attend the transition IEP meeting?

Yes. Your teen must be invited to their own transition IEP meeting. After all, this is their future that will be charted at this very important meeting. Parents and teens should carefully review the transition testing before the IEP meeting and offer changes as needed. This may be the first IEP meeting that your child has ever attended, so it’s a good idea to prepare them for the experience. Emphasize that their voice is super important. The school district or charter school should also invite outside agencies to the transition meeting, if appropriate. This is especially important if the particular agency will be responsible for providing or funding transition services. For example, Regional Center representatives or case managers from the state’s department of rehabilitation or the Social Security Administration, can present valuable information to the IEP team regarding adult independence or school-to-workforce options.

My child already graduated but is just sitting at home. Is it too late to get transition services?

Typically, special education services and supports end when the student graduates high school or obtains a certificate of completion. However, transition services are a little different. Since they are designed to prepare students for post high-school work or study, we don’t really know if they were effective until after graduation. Students can sometimes obtain additional testing, education, services or funds to compensate for the inadequate transition programming. Statutes of limitations apply in these cases, so it’s important to contact a seasoned special education attorney for consultation as soon as possible.

Next Steps—Your Transition Plan “Launch Checklist”

• 📋 Request transition assessments for your teen in writing—today.

• 🗓️ Schedule campus or workplace tours; bring findings to the IEP team.

• 🧑‍⚖️ Invite your teen to the transition IEP meeting and rehearse self-advocacy.

• 🕵️ Track progress every quarter; ask for IEP addendums if goals stall.

• 📞 School unresponsive? Contact an experienced special education law firm like ADAMS ESQ which serves parents throughout California and Nevada. Share this post with another parent, visit our website and sign up for our newsletter, and follow @AdamsEsq4Kids on Facebook & Instagram for more helpful legal tips.