Planning for Life After High School

Transition planning

Transition planning helps students prepare for education, work, and adult life. The IEP team works with the student and family to identify interests, strengths, goals, and needed supports. Planning may include college, career or technical training, employment, independent living, and community participation.

Skills and experiences

Depending on the student’s needs, services may include career exploration, work experiences, job readiness, self-advocacy, financial skills, transportation skills, daily living skills, and connections with adult service agencies. Ask your case manager about your student’s transition goals and available opportunities.

Adult Transition Program

District 205’s Adult Transition Program supports eligible students whose IEPs identify a continuing need for transition services. The team develops an individual plan that may focus on employment, community participation, independent living, communication, and functional academics. Contact the case manager to discuss eligibility and planning for services after the traditional high school program.

What changes when my student turns 18?

In Illinois, special education decision-making rights generally transfer to the student at age 18 unless a legally recognized exception applies. The school provides notice to the student and parent before the transfer. Families should discuss this change with the case manager before the student’s 18th birthday.

An adult student may choose to delegate educational decision-making rights to a parent or another person. The ISBE delegation form explains this choice. A delegation lasts one year, may be renewed, and may be ended by the student. Share completed forms or other applicable legal documents with the school.

Transfer of educational rights at age 18 — ISBE notice (PDF)

Delegation of educational decision-making rights — ISBE form (PDF)