Module 7, Transparency #1 Assisting Students with Disabilities: A Training Program for Paraeducators Module 7: Introduction to Transition Issues

Module 7, Transparency #2 Instructional Objectives: To describe the rationale & basic processes of early childhood transition To describe four ways paraeducators can assist with early childhood transition To describe the rationale & basic processes of secondary transition To describe three ways paraeducators can assist with secondary transition Module 7: Introduction to Transition Services

Module 7, Transparency #3 Module Overview Early Childhood Transition Importance of early childhood services Laws Who participates How paras can assist Secondary Transition Importance of planning Laws Who participates Setting goals Designing instruction to reach goals How paras can help

Module 7, Transparency #4 Early Childhood Transition Definition: Planning for the change from home care, child care, or early intervention programs to Special Education services through the local school system for 2½-5 year old children with a known or suspected educational disability

Module 7, Transparency #5 Early Childhood Transition The basic process: 1) Early childhood service agency refers the child to the school district 2) The school district evaluates the child; if the child is determined to be eligible for Special Education services, a meeting is held to plan the services 3) If the child is NOT eligible for Special Education services, reasonable efforts should be made to hold a meeting to plan for transition

Module 7, Transparency #6 Early Childhood Transition Who participates in early childhood transition planning? Child’s parents (their concerns & preferences come first) Representatives from agencies that are (or may become) involved with the child KEIS (aka “First Steps”) Health Dept. Head Start, Early Head Start Childcare LEA Family Resource Center

Module 7, Transparency #7 Early Childhood Transition How paras can assist: Help educate parents about early intervention & Special Ed Get to know the early intervention programs in your area Participate in transition planning meetings for 2½-5 year-old students you work with Learn more about early childhood transition issues

Module 7, Transparency #8 Secondary Transition Definition: Planning for the change from Special Education services through the local school system to adult life for year old youth with educational disabilities

Module 7, Transparency #9 Secondary Transition IDEA – Special Education students:  Statement of needed transition services by age 14  Statement of interagency responsibilities/linkages by age 16  Document on IEP KERA – all students: Transition plan should be developed, beginning in 8 th grade Document on IGP (Addendum for students w/disabilities - optional)

Module 7, Transparency #10 Secondary Transition Who participates in secondary transition planning? Student & his/her parents/guardians (student’s preferences come first) Representatives from agencies that are (or may become) involved with the youth LEA Vocational education Vocational rehabilitation Advocacy groups Business & industry Adult service agencies

Module 7, Transparency #11 Secondary Transition What does the transition team do? Help the student determine his/her goals for 4 broad domains of post-school life: Work Home Community Recreation/leisure Plan & implement instruction & other services to help the student meet these goals

Module 7, Transparency #12 Secondary Transition Work A realistic goal for many people with educational disabilities Many benefits of working Different levels of support Regular employment Job placement/transitional support Supported employment Sheltered work Non-work options: volunteering, adult program

Module 7, Transparency #13 Secondary Transition Home Basic needs (housing, income, food, clothing, hygiene)? Different levels of support Independent living Living with family or friends Supported living ICR-MR Group home Supervised apartment Adult foster care Adult nursing home

Module 7, Transparency #14 Secondary Transition Community Medical services, legal services, transportation, counseling, case management Recreation & Leisure Hobbies, enjoyable activities, community organizations, church participation

Module 7, Transparency #15 Secondary Transition Transition services When the student’s skills and goals across the 4 domains are determined, then the team plans for services Educate the student & family about adult services Design & implement appropriate classroom instruction Design & implement appropriate community-based instruction

Module 7, Transparency #16 Secondary Transition  How paras can assist:  Participate in transition planning meetings for students you work with  Get more information about secondary transition issues  Consider becoming trained as an “employment specialist” (or “job coach”)