This list of suggestions should help you start thinking about your child's needs and abilities, however it is not all inclusive, and is just a starting point for you. Forming answers to these questions will help smooth the transition from school into an adult environment by giving the new team members a better picture of your child.
Read over any medical records, private testing results, new IEP drafts and old IEPs, school progress reports or other records that may affect your child.
Write down any questions you may have about the records and reports.
Using the following list as a guide, consider your child's abilities and needs (add any others that may be important to your child):
| Categories | My child can: | My child needs help with: | What works for my child: |
| Academic Skills (math, reading, etc) |
|||
| Independence/self-help | |||
| Language/communication | |||
| Behavioral/emotional | |||
| Pre-vocational skills | |||
| Social relationships | |||
| Movement/physical | |||
| Problem solving | |||
| Organization | |||
After reviewing this guide, think about when you have observed your child learning, and what seems to help him/her the most. (this will be important when meeting with vocational providers)
Make a list of goals you feel will be important for your child:
- Lifetime goals (employment, literacy etc.)
- Short term goals (addressing others comfortably, negotiating school hallways and schedules, academic achievements etc.)
Does your child have any special transportation needs?
Are there any specific considerations needed in the classroom, or specific services you feel are important to your child's success?
Have you experienced any problems, or roadblocks in helping your child learn, or in communicating with the school? Try to identify those clearly, without anger or blame, and list them briefly. Sometimes a simple communication system can help overcome the roadblocks.
If you could identify one or two significant things that concern you the most, please write them down. This will help keep a focus during the discussion.
Take all your notes with you, and do not hesitate to share them.
Transitioning Youth Information:
- Transitioning Youth: Activities for Transitioning Youth
- Transitioning Youth: Benefits and Services
- Transitioning Youth: Employment Coordinator Program, FCPS
- Transitioning Youth: IEP Meeting Preparation
- Transitioning Youth: Timeline for High School Students
- Transitioning Youth: Timeline for Middle School Students
- Transitioning Youth: Websites for Transitioning Youth
