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- Dear Camas<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Transition planning for students with disabilities<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Upcoming events<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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Dear Camas CSD Special Ed PTSO Community,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this issue I would like to talk about transition with regards to special education: what it is and when to start. Taking into consideration what life after school looks like can help us focus our child\u2019s IEP into a more functional document with the future in mind. It takes time to learn new skills, so we should give our kids as much time as possible while they are still in school and under an IEP. It also takes time for us to prepare mentally, emotionally, and financially for what comes next. Having a better understanding of the transition planning process can also help us become more effective advocates and help us make the most of the resources available to us while our child is still in school. Below are resources to help you learn more about transition planning and how it can you help build a better quality of life for your loved one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Warmly,
Camas CSD Special Ed PTSO Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a>Photo by Michaela St<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n What is transition planning?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your child is in high school you may have already had a conversation with your child\u2019s teacher about transition. When students turn 16 years of age, it\u2019s important to start talking about transition planning with your teens high school IEP team. It is also important to include your child as much as possible in the IEP process. Transition services are designed with the intention of preparing your child for life after they age out of the school system at 22. Transition planning can help shape an IEP to reflect those new goals. The first chapter of the IEP journey during elementary years involves addressing needs and helping support the student learn new skills or catch up on lost skills or academics. Transition planning is all about person centered planning and readiness for adult life after school is done, factoring your child\u2019s wants and needs for the future along with your goals for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A vital part of transition planning is a post secondary transition assessment. In order to create an effective transition plan a transition assessment must be done to determine strengths or skill gaps in things like job skills, life skills, independent living skills, adult services, and community participation. For some students it can even determine readiness for postsecondary education or vocational training. IEP evaluations and 3 year assessments are not the same as a post secondary transition assessment. Transition assessments give a more focused and clear picture about readiness for life post 22 years of age. Understanding the process of transition planning gives both you and your teen time to prepare for what\u2019s next. It can also help ease some anxiety about the unknown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n