Transition Planning Guide - Ottawa Area Intermediate School District

Sample letter to parent, please revise as neededDate:Dear Parent:You have participated in Individual Educational Planning (IEP) meetings for your son/daughterin the elementary and middle school and know that the goals are usually academic in nature,dealing with math and reading. As students reach high school age, the planning emphasis focuseson employment, post-school education/training, daily living skills, community participation, andpost-school adult living in nature and is addressed through what is called Individual TransitionPlanning (ITP). Transition planning is required for all students who receive special educationservices by age fourteen, or younger if appropriate.The Individual Transition Plan is addressed as part of the IEP and include s input from theparents, student, educational staff and adult service providers. This plan will spell out whateveryone needs to do in order to provide the training and services necessary for yourson’s/daughter’s “smooth transition” from school to successful adult life. Individual TransitionPlanning will address long term goals to assure students are prepared to succeed after graduationand take full advantage of agencies and services available in the community.It is very important that you, as a parent, and your student play a major role in the writing ofIndividual Transition Plan (ITP) because it is about his/her future and you know your child best.Enclosed please find a booklet for parents entitled “A Guide to Transition Planning for Parentsand Students.” This guide addresses information on transition to assist you. Also enclosed is aParent Questionnaire we would like you to complete and bring to the ITP/IEP meeting.There is no substitute for good planning. A good future starts with transition planning today.When the student, parents, school and community agencies work collaboratively, it increases theprobability of a smooth transition to adult living and employment.If you have questions regarding the transition process please feel free to contact (name) at (phonenumber).Sincerely,Enclosures: “A Guide to Transition Planning for Parents and Students with Disabilities”“Procedural Safeguards for Parents of Students with Disabilities”Parent Questionnaire28