The New Jersey Administrative Code (NJAC) 6A:14 - Section 1.3 defines Transition Services as a "coordinated set of activities for a student, designed within an outcome-oriented process, that promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation."
Transition Services should:
be a part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP)
be based on a student's individual preferences and interests
begin at age 14 (or earlier if applicable)
be a long-range plan that emphasizes skills that are needed for adult life
Who Determines What Services Will Be Provided?
Parents, the student (when appropriate), the Child Study Team (CST), teachers, other agencies providing transition services (the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) and the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)). NJAC:6A:14-3.4(d)3 states "Beginning at age 14, or younger if appropriate, include assessment(s) to determine appropriate post-secondary outcomes."
How is the Determination of Services Made?
Use the same process as when developing the original IEP (i.e., discussions, observations, anecdotal information, and evaluations from CST, DVRS or DDD.).
Where are the Services to be Provided?
Transition services should be provided in a variety of locations (i.e., school, community, recreational center, work sites, etc.)
You should know
The Child Study Team must ensure that all services written in the IEP are provided to the student as part of their Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
Any other agency's (DVRS or DDD) participation should be clearly defined in the IEP.
Interagency linkages must also be stipulated in the IEP.
A transition planning IEP should include all of the considerations and required components of past IEPs but with a focus on transition. This means that the entire IEP should change to reflect transition issues.
A sample of a transition IEP and its contents according to New Jersey Administration Code (NJAC 6A:14) is available in COSAC's "Transition IEP Packet." (Download version coming soon.) Please Note: Your child's IEP may differ from the examples provided in this packet.
Ask for assistance
Contact COSAC to better understand the Transition IEP Packet, the components of an IEP and the various ways in which it may be presented. You will need to work with your Child Study Team to determine the best way to represent your child's needs on his/her IEP.
Check our Workshops Section for our next COSAC-sponsored "Transition Planning Workshop" in your area.
DDD is a state organization that provides primarily "long-term" services such as day and residential services. Day services include supported employment and sheltered workshops. DDD can also provide respite and family support services. Your child must be declared "eligible" to receive services from DDD. Click here for more information on DDD. To ensure smooth transition, a child can be placed on DDD day programs waiting list 5 years before educational entitlement ends.
DVRS = Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
DVRS can provide job training, education, and adaptive equipment. It can also assist with job placement and workshop services. DVRS is also a state organization whose services are primarily “short-term” in nature. DVRS will consult with your school district about providing services, such as job coaching, and then remove themselves once the training is completed. You should contact DVRS directly for more specific information about what services can be obtained.
Please contact COSAC at 1-800-4-AUTISM or (609) 883-8100 with questions or for further clarification on any of the topics presented above. COSAC also offers free Transition Planning Workshops for those interested in learning more. Click here for more information about these sessions.
