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Sample Transition Planning Letters

IDEA requires the IEP team to include transition services starting at age 16 (or earlier in some states). These sample letters help you request early transition planning, challenge inadequate post-secondary goals, and handle the age-of-majority transfer.

Request transition planning at age 14

When to use: Use when your child is approaching or has turned 14 and you want transition planning to start earlier than the federal age-16 minimum. Many states and the data on adult outcomes both support starting at 14.

[Date]

[Case Manager Name]
[School Name]
[School District]
[Address]

Re: Request to Begin Transition Planning, [Child's Name], [Grade], Age [age]

Dear [Case Manager],

I am writing to request that [Child's Name]'s IEP team begin transition planning at the next IEP meeting, even though [he/she/they] [is/are] not yet 16. Under 34 CFR 300.320(b), transition services must be included in the IEP that will be in effect when the student turns 16, "or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP Team." I believe earlier is appropriate for [Child's Name], and I am asking the team to make that determination.

My reasoning:
- [Child's Name] is currently [age] and entering [grade]. Research and our state's [transition guidance / Indicator 13] both support starting transition planning earlier than 16, particularly for students with [specific disability or profile].
- [Child's Name]'s post-secondary goals are still forming, and early transition planning will give the team time to gather age-appropriate transition assessments and align IEP goals with realistic post-secondary outcomes.
- Specific reasons unique to [Child's Name]: [for example, complex communication needs, need for vocational instruction, need for self-determination instruction, need to begin community-based experiences, etc.].

I am requesting that the next IEP meeting:
1. Include a discussion of whether early transition planning is appropriate for [Child's Name] under 34 CFR 300.320(b), with the team's determination documented in the IEP.
2. Conduct or arrange age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and where appropriate, independent living skills, as required by 34 CFR 300.320(b)(1).
3. Develop measurable post-secondary goals based on those assessments.
4. Identify the transition services needed to help [Child's Name] reach those goals, including any agency linkages.

Please confirm in writing whether the team will include transition planning on the next meeting agenda.

Sincerely,

[Parent's Name]
[Phone]
[Email]

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Standard 16+ transition plan review

When to use: Use when your child is 16 or older and the IEP must include a transition plan, but the existing plan is generic, missing transition assessments, or otherwise insufficient.

Dispute inadequate post-secondary goals

When to use: Use when the IEP team has set vague, generic, or low-expectation post-secondary goals (such as 'will attend a sheltered workshop' when the student has higher potential, or 'will pursue further education' with no specifics). Triggers a written disagreement and a revision request.

Request transition assessments

When to use: Use when the IEP's transition plan is built on no assessments, a single interest inventory, or outdated data. Federal law requires transition services to be based on age-appropriate assessments in all required domains.

Age of majority / consent transfer

When to use: Use when your child is approaching or at the state's age of majority (often 18) and IDEA rights transfer to the student. Helps parents document understanding of the transfer and any plan for continued involvement (supported decision-making, educational power of attorney).

Frequently asked questions

When does transition planning have to be in the IEP?
Under 34 CFR 300.320(b), transition services must be included in the IEP that will be in effect when the student turns 16, or earlier if the IEP team determines it is appropriate. Many states require transition planning to start at age 14 or upon entry to high school.
What is a transition assessment?
Under 34 CFR 300.43(a)(2), age-appropriate transition assessments cover training and education, employment, and (where appropriate) independent living skills. They include interest inventories, aptitude assessments, vocational evaluations, and structured conversations with the student.
Can my child come to the transition meeting?
Yes. Under 34 CFR 300.321(b)(1), the school must invite the student to any IEP meeting where transition services will be discussed. Parents and the school should prepare the student in advance so they can participate meaningfully.
What happens at age of majority?
At the state's age of majority (usually 18), IDEA rights generally transfer from the parent to the student unless the student has been determined incompetent or the parent has obtained guardianship, a supported decision-making agreement, or a designated educational representative. The school must notify both parent and student at least one year in advance per 34 CFR 300.520.
Does my child need a separate transition plan document?
No. The transition plan is part of the IEP itself, with its own required sections for post-secondary goals, transition services, course of study, and agency linkages. There is no separate stand-alone document under federal law.

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