What exactly are transition services?
The federal regulations define transition services as a “coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that . . . is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.” [34 C.F.R. § 300.43(a)(1) and (2)] Further, the regulations explain that transition services mean the development of employment and other post-school living objectives. [Id.] Beginning not later than the year in which a student turns 16 years of age, a student’s IEP must include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and the transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching those goals. [34 C.F.R. § 300. 320(b)(1) and (2)]