Transition
Transition Services
IDEA 2024
The term “transition services” means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that:
- Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, 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;
- Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, interests, needs (SPIN); and includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.
Transition services, begin not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 16, or younger if determined by the IEP Team and are updated annually.
The IEP must include measurable post-secondary goals based upon age-appropriate assessments related to training, education, employment and where appropriate, independent living skills and transition services including the course of study needed to help the child in reaching those goals.
AB 438
California’s AB 438 (2023–2024) represents a shift in California’s approach to transition planning for students with individualized education programs (IEPs). Signed into law by Governor Newsom on September 28, 2024, the bill amends Education Code §§ 56043, 56341.5, and 56345 to require that, starting July 1, 2025, IEP teams consider and include measurable postsecondary goals and corresponding transition services as early as a student’s first high school IEP, if deemed appropriate—rather than waiting until age 16 as previously mandated. This change underscores a proactive commitment to preparing students with exceptional needs for successful post-secondary outcomes—from higher education to employment and independent living.