Transition Services

Pursuant to Section 300.1, one of the purposes of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA, 2004) is to ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education (FAPE) that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Pursuant to state statute, effective July 1, 2021, transition services are required for each child requiring special education beginning not later than the first individualized education program (IEP) to be in effect when such child turns 14 years of age, or younger if determined appropriate by the planning and placement team (PPT), and updated annually thereafter.

The IEP shall include (A) Appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based upon age appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills; and (B) the transition services, including courses of study, needed to assist such child in reaching those goals.

Transition Services

A coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that:

  • Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation; and
  • Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests and includes:
    • instruction;
    • related services;
    • community experiences;
    • the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives; and
    • if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and provision of a functional vocational evaluation

Transition Coordinator: Jessica Embacher

Special Education Transition Programs:

The following transition programs are available to students who complete high school and are eligible for continued transition services as recommended by the PPT team.

Bridge to Life:

The focus of instruction within this program is on functional academics, self-advocacy, independent living, vocational skills, community participation, health and wellness, and recreation. Located on the Quinnipiac University campus in North Haven, this program provides students instruction and supports in an environment with age-appropriate peers. Students are provided vocational experiences both on the North Haven and Hamden campuses, in the surrounding community, and Cheshire community. Students participate in various learning and social activities, such as Movement Squad, Inclusive Fitness, Career and Leisure Exploration, and Wellness Through Community Action, along with college students to increase their awareness of recreational activities and generalize social skills. This program emphasizes employment skills through direct instruction and vocational experiences which will help lead to supported employment opportunities. Placement is based on the recommendation of the PPT.

Community Life:

Community Life supports students who are eligible for transition supports and services, and require intense supports in developing supported living skills, supported task completion, functional academics, and recreation and leisure. Students spend time in the classroom learning daily living skills, work-related task completion skills, and social skills. They spend time in the community generalizing acquired skills. The program is located at Cheshire High School. This program is designed to support students who will require intensive supports in daily living skills and socialization. Placement is based on the recommendation of the PPT.

Resources:

Agencies:

  • Bureau of Rehabilitation Services  A division of the Department of Aging and Disability services, which helps persons with significant physical and/or mental disabilities prepare for, find, keep or advance in a job.
  • Connecticut Developmental Services (DDS)  The Department of Developmental Services (DDS) partners with individuals, their families, and support groups to help individuals with intellectual disability lead fulfilling lives within their communities.