The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) recognizes the importance of preparing students with disabilities for success after high school, and states that transition planning for students who receive special education services and have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) must begin by age 16 or younger. New York requires that transition planning begin by age 14. IDEA contains transition services requirements for students with disabilities, which must be addressed in the first IEP to be in effect when the students turn 16 or younger (14 in New York), if determined appropriate by the IEP Team. The transition services in the IEP must be updated annually. School Based Support Teams are in charge of working with students to create the Transition Plan. Transition planning means evaluating the needs, strengths, and skills required for students to move from high school to post-secondary life, by ensuring they are academically and functionally prepared.

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