Transition & Post Secondary Planning Services

Mission

The District 75 Office of Transition Services and Postsecondary Planning Initiatives is committed to honoring student and family voice and choice. Through strengths-based, student-centered services, we build diverse pathway linkages and options that foster postsecondary independence and success. 

Vision

Through collaboration, advocacy and education, we engage and support families, and diverse stakeholders, in the development and implementation of individualized postsecondary plans for our students. We will build capacity and align practices to enhance the efficacy of postsecondary planning services.

The Transition Planning Process

The transition planning process is designed to help your young adult move smoothly from school to adult life in the areas of education, employment and independent living. 

This process formally begins in the year in which our child turns 12 and includes the completion of transition assessments. 

Transition assessments help us to identify your child’s goals, strengths, needs, preferences, and interests, as well as your aspirations for your child. The information is used to develop a transition plan and a transition-focused Individualized Education Plan (IEP).  Beginning at your son or daughter’s 14th birthday, or earlier, the information from the transition assessments will be included in the IEP. 

Transition planning will help you and your young adult identify desired outcomes and develop action plans in areas such as: 

• Legal/Advocacy 
• Personal Independence/Residential 
• Recreation/Leisure
• Financial/Income 
• Medical/Health Employment (with or without supports) 
• Transportation 
• Vocational Training/Continuing post-secondary education 
• Other Individual and Family Support Needs and Services

What You Can Do Now: 

• Talk to your child about what he/she wants to do when he/she leaves school 
• Set goals for the future with your child 
• Find out about program eligibility and funding resources available for post-secondary programs (e.g. ACCES-VR, OPWDD, OMH programs and/or educational opportunities)
• Explore post-secondary options with your child; visit local colleges, vocational training or other post-secondary programs
• Identify support services and programs for your son/daughter and family (e.g., family support services, SSI/Medicaid, Service Coordination, college accessibility services, job accommodations) 
• Use the public transportation system with your child 
• Review guardianship and estate planning issues 
• Talk to and educate your son/daughter about his/her disability and medical management needs (as needed) 
• Collect information about your child to learn more about his/her strengths, preferences and interests
• Learn about resources available in your local community 
• Ask your child’s teacher (or other staff) what you can do at home or in the community to support your child’s development of skills
• Be an active team member; you and your child should attend all scheduled transition planning and IEP meetings 
• Stay involved and communicate with school staff as often as possible (e.g. Transition Linkage Coordinator, Teacher, Guidance Counselor) 
• Periodically review and monitor the transition plan and services with your child and other team members.
• If you are not sure about something or want more information, please ASK for assistance!!!!  The Transition Team Leader (TTL) and/or your school’s Parent Coordinator (PC) will be the primary liaisons at the school, who will support you during the transition planning process.

Resources and Materials

District 75 Website: https://www.district75nyc.org/ 

New York City Public Schools Transition After High School page for families

NYS Office for People with Developmental Disabilities: https://opwdd.ny.gov/access-supports/school-transition 

Adult Career and Continuing Education Services (ACCES-VR): http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/transition-and-youth-services

College Planning Guide for Students with Disabilities, Students with IEPs & 504 Plans

College Planning Guide for Students with Disabilities, Students with IEPs & 504 Plans

Include NYC: http://www.includenyc.org/Supplemental Security Income (SSI): https://www.ssa.gov/ssi 

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in NYC: https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-services.page 

Contact Email: [email protected]

Phone: 212-213-4483