Transition Services

Helping Your Child Prepare for Life After High School: Transition Services

Transition Services help students with disabilities get ready for life after high school. This includes planning for college or training, finding a job, and learning the skills needed to live as independently as possible. Transition planning is an important part of your child’s IEP (Individualized Education Program) as they grow into adulthood.

When Does Transition Planning Begin?

In Monroe County Schools, we begin the transition planning process as part of the IEP by age 14, or earlier if needed. This is required by Tennessee state law and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

During this process, we work closely with the student and family to:

• Set clear goals for what the student wants to do after high school

• Use transition assessments to learn about the student’s interests, strengths, and needs

• Develop a plan that includes classes and activities that will help the student reach those goals

These goals are measurable and focus on areas like:

• Education and training (college, trade school, job skills programs)

• Employment (paid jobs, job training, supported employment)

• Independent living (daily tasks, money management, transportation, etc.)

What Types of Transition Services Are Available?

Transition services are designed to help students with disabilities move smoothly from school into adult life. These services are based on the student’s interests, needs, strengths, and future goals. Every student’s plan is different because every student is unique!

Some examples of transition services may include:

• ✅ Pre-ETS (Pre-Employment Transition Services):
  Pre-ETS is a special program for students with disabilities, offered in partnership with Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). It includes five key areas:

  • Job exploration (learning about different careers)

  • Work-based learning (like job shadowing or part-time work)

  • Workplace readiness training (soft skills, time management, and more)

  • Post-secondary counseling (help planning for college or training after high school)

  • Instruction in self-advocacy (learning how to speak up for oneself and ask for support)

• ✅ Career exploration and planning:
  Students learn about jobs they might enjoy and what steps they need to get there.

• ✅ Special classes and coursework:
  Classes may focus on career skills, independent living, or job readiness.

• ✅ Life skills instruction:
  These are skills needed for daily living, like cooking, handling money, or managing time.

• ✅ Job training or workplace visits:
  Students may visit job sites, practice job tasks, or take part in work-based learning programs.

• ✅ Community-based learning:
  Learning happens in real-world places, like grocery stores, banks, or city offices.

• ✅ Self-advocacy training:
  Students learn how to express their needs, ask for accommodations, and take part in decisions about their future.

These services can be provided at school, in the community, or through programs like Pre-ETS. The goal is to help students gain the confidence and skills they need to be successful after high school—whether they plan to go to college, get a job, or live independently.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) for High School Students

Many high school students with disabilities in Monroe County can take part in the Work-Based Learning (WBL) program. Through WBL, students are placed in local businesses or non-profit organizations where they can:

• Gain real-world job experience

• Build important job and social skills

• Learn about workplace expectations

• Practice asking for accommodations they may need on the job

WBL is supervised and supports each student based on their goals and abilities.

Transition Services Help Build Skills for Life

Our goal is to make sure every student with a disability has the support they need to succeed after graduation. Through instruction, hands-on experiences, and team planning, students build skills in areas like:

• ✅ Job and workplace readiness

• ✅ Self-advocacy (knowing their rights and speaking up for themselves)

• ✅ Social and communication skills

• ✅ Independent living (cooking, shopping, managing money)

• ✅ Getting involved in the community

• ✅ Understanding options for education or training after high school

Want to Learn More About Transition Planning?

If your child is age 14 or older and has an IEP, transition planning should already be part of the IEP process. If you have questions or would like more information, please reach out to your child’s IEP team or contact your school’s case manager or the districtwide Transition Services Coordinator.

You can also explore helpful resources at:
📘 Explore Transition Resources at www.TransitionTN.org