Home > Therapeutic Special Education > For Parents & Families > Tools & Resources > Transition Planning

Transition Planning & Community Resources

Transitions throughout a child’s school career, and into adulthood, can be among the most daunting times for families, especially for those with a child with an IEP. As students move through middle school and high school and become adults, families need to have systems in place to ensure that their child’s needs are met in life after Green Chimneys. Transition planning, however, is not something families have to face alone.

Partners in Planning for Your Child’s Future

The Green Chimneys Transition Team can be your family’s guide between what is often felt to be two very separate worlds: school and community. We help to bridge the gap between services in the community that can assist your child, such as Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR), Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD), and Office of Mental Health (OMH). In preparation for life after Green Chimneys, our Transition Team offers workshops and trainings for our students and families. We assist in navigating the transition planning process and provide connections to ParaTransit, public transportation, and recreational services.

A collaboration between Green Chimneys’ transition coordinators, social workers, teachers, and school and vocational counselors accomplishes the important work of transition planning by empowering you—the family— while helping your child develop the tools needed to overcome the many challenges of young adulthood.

Transition planning at Green Chimneys typically begins in middle school and continues throughout high school:

• Transition planning starts in 8^th grade with the Level 1 Career Interview. In the spring of 8^th grade, our Freshman Orientation introduces families to our high school offerings and graduation requirements. At this time, transition planning begins and is indicated on your child’s IEP.
• Each fall, 9^th through 12^th grade students meet with the school counselor to discuss their schedule, credits earned on their transcripts and plans for after high school.
• In the 11^th grade, students along with their families should apply for ACCES-VR. The application should be brought to their school counselor or transition coordinator so supplemental documentation can be sent.
• In the 11^th and/or 12^th grade, students should consider if SATs or ACTs are needed in order to apply for college.

Start planning your child’s transition.

Below please find resources for your convenience. Please note that not all activities or organizations may apply to your child and/or may occur at different times. Please speak with your child’s planning team for specific information.

Transition Planning Resource List

Transition Planning Checklist