Transition Plan
Part of the IEP that outlines your child's goals and the services needed to prepare for life after high school. It addresses areas like further education, employment, and daily living skills.
Federal rule: 34 CFR § 300.320(b) — Transition services in the IEP
Where Transition Plan shows up in your IEP
The transition pages appear in the IEP that will be in effect when your child turns sixteen, and often earlier. Look for measurable postsecondary goals in three areas — education or training, employment, and where appropriate independent living — each built on an age-appropriate transition assessment, plus the courses of study that lead there. Your child's own stated interests belong on that page.
What to ask at the meeting
- Which transition assessment produced these goals, and when was it given?
- How do next year's courses actually lead toward the goal written here?
- What does my child say they want, and is it anywhere on this page?
Red flags
- The postsecondary goals read as generic phrases that would suit any student anywhere.
- No transition assessment is named, so the goals rest on nothing in particular.
- The courses listed have no visible connection to the goal sitting above them.
Example
Tyler wanted to work on cars. His page said he "will explore career options," which told nobody anything. After an interest inventory, the team rewrote the goal around an automotive certificate at the community college, added two shop courses to his four-year plan, and scheduled a spring visit. The page finally matched the kid sitting in the room.
Common questions
When does this part have to start?
No later than the first IEP in effect when your child turns sixteen, and earlier if the team decides that makes sense. Several states set a younger age, so it is worth asking what your state requires rather than assuming the federal floor.
Should my child be at the meeting?
Yes, whenever postsecondary goals are on the agenda. Even a short appearance changes the tone of the page, and practising how to describe their own strengths is itself one of the skills this part of the document exists to build.
How is this different from transition services?
This is the part of the IEP that sets the postsecondary goals and the courses of study; the services are the activities and supports that move your child toward them. The goals are updated every year, so the page should look different at seventeen than it did at fourteen.
Related Terms
Transition Services
A set of activities designed to help your child move from school to adult life. Starting at age 16 (or earlier in some states), the IEP must include goals and services for post-school education, employment, and independent living.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
A written plan created for your child that describes their current abilities, sets learning goals, and lists the special education services they will receive. It's a legal document that the school must follow.
Want help understanding your child's IEP?
Check the Whole IEP — Free →This glossary is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions are simplified for parent-friendly understanding and may not reflect the full legal text. Consult a qualified attorney or advocate for advice about your specific situation.