transition student on the job

Transition Services

Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for a student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), that are designed to support movement from school to post-high school activities, including vocational training, employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation. Secondary Transition describes the critical transformation our special education students need in order to achieve their post-secondary education goals.

The transition process prepares students with disabilities for adult life by focusing on the specific areas of post-secondary education, employment, community participation, and independent living. Transition services are provided by the school and, when necessary, community agencies, to promote successful movement of students with disabilities from high school to adult life. They are a part of the results-oriented process focused on improving the functional and academic needs of the student transitioning.

Students with disabilities often need support in identifying strengths, challenges and goals.  There are several resources and options available.  Many of these resources assist students with determining what they would like to do after high school along with providing information about the differences between high school and college. 

External LinkFAFSA - Free Application For Student Aid

External LinkFree College Applications 

External LinkMCTI - Michigan Career and Technical Institute

External LinkLCC - Lansing Community College

External LinkDifference Between High School & College 

External LinkTIP - State of Michigan Tuition Incentive Program 

External LinkInterest Inventory

Every person experiences transition throughout his or her file - the transition to a different classroom, new building or from school to community are processes that all students go through, and represent a major change in the student's life.

You, your family and your student are approaching a challenging and exciting time in life - it is an important time for students and families to plan, and make decisions about their post secondary future.

What we know about transition:

  • Transitions occur at many times throughout our lives
  • Transitions are likely to be stressful
  • Transitions are made easier with planning
  • Transitions are a time of growth

What is presented below are resources for consideration and planning that will hopefully make this process more manageable and productive.

External LinkTransition to College Checklist 

External LinkCollege Readiness Guide

External LinkMichigan Rehabilitation Services FAQ 

External LinkGuardianship and Alternatives 

External LinkWill I need to become my child’s guardian?

External LinkParent Tips 

External LinkDifference between High School & College 

External LinkSocial Security 

External LinkFAFSA - Free Application for Student Aid

External LinkCollege Application Information 

External LinkTIP - Tuition Incentive Program Information 

Transition services for students with disabilities in Eaton County should begin as soon as we start discussing post high school plans. 

This may be as early as middle or elementary school, but must be part of a students Individualized Education Plan when they are in 8th grade, so that appropriate programming can be in place for high school and beyond.

Students and parents should be active participants in the planning of transition activities, and several supports are available to assist you in assessing transition needs and offering services to students within your school.

External LinkNational Technical Assistance Center on Transition  

External Link Taxonomy for Transition

External LinkTransition Assessment 

External LinkSecondary Transition 

External LinkConsent to Invite Agency video Explanation 

External LinkTransition Rubric

External LinkPost Secondary Outcomes 

External LinkPersonal Curriculum 

Please see links and information below regarding area resources and agencies that may provide services for our transition students:

External LinkMichigan Rehabilitation Services

External LinkCommunity Mental Health  

External LinkLansing Community College

External LinkEATRAN

External LinkBureau of Services for Blind Persons 

External LinkMichigan Transition Services Association

External LinkMichigan Department of Education