Once a child turns 14 (and at age 16 at the absolute latest), they will need an IEP reevaluation that shifts the focus from purely focusing on academic skills to skills they will need to succeed as an adult. During this re-evaluation, the team draws up a
document called an Individualized Transition Plan (ITP), which outlines how the child will transition from structured student life into adult life. The ITP helps determine what services and support the child will need to live as independently as possible, and allows students to set future goals. For some, this may mean an assisted living environment, college, vocational training or work. The ITP follows the student after they complete high school, sometimes until ages 22-26 (depending on the state).
Just like an IEP, the ITP outlines the student’s abilities, needs, goals and the services they need to receive in order to attain varying degrees of independence. Considerations include medical needs and their aptitude for either further education or employment. New topics of consideration include community support services available to the child, income streams, planned living arrangements, and available community activities and transportation.
Other Resources for Individual Transition Plans:
- ITPs: An Overview
- ITPs: Frequently Asked Questions
- GreatSchools: Transition Planning
- A Guide to the ITP Process: Step-by-step Breakdown
- ITPs: A Guide for Educators
- Sample Simplified Transition Plans
- Charting a Course for the Future: Transition Toolkit
- Transition Planning Guide – Detailed (Includes Transition Checklists and worksheets; state-specific to Alabama)
- PACER Center: Middle and High School Transition Planning
- Summaries of Performance: Required Parts of the ITP
- National Center on Secondary Education and Transition