What are Employment and Transition Services?

Transition services are required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  These services aim to address all areas related to life after high school. Transition services are a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability. These services are focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of all children with a disability. It helps the children move from school to post-school activities. Transition services include:

• 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 functional vocational evaluation. [34 CFR 300.43 (a)] [20 U.S.C. 1401(34)]

Employment and Transition Representatives (ETRs)  are the transition resource at each high school.  ETRs assist with all aspects of transition such as:

• career exploration
• goal setting
• job skills 
• planning for the future. 

ETR support is for students whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) team has determined the student needs this support.  This support can be provided on an intermittent basis or on a more intensive, ongoing basis. Identifying employment and transition service needs begins with a conversation with:

• the student
• the parent/guardian
• school staff

Discussion points include the student's goals (ex. education, career, and adult living). Services and support are then determined by the IEP team and individualized based on the student's needs.

Employment and Transition Services may include:

• instruction on a variety of transition topics
• forming business partnerships for work-based learning
• paid job support
• job site development and placement for students in CTS courses
• training for staff and families on transition topics and the transition IEP process
• referring students to FCPS classes and services
• connecting students with adult agencies

For more information about employment and transition services, contact Career and Transition Services at 571-423-4150.