SPED 856

Transition Education and Services

This course provides an overview of career development and transition planning for individuals with disabilities, focusing on support from middle school through adulthood.

Running Project

In Running Project Part One, you will assess a school district’s transition services using the TQI-2 tool, summarize results across all seven domains, and identify the area of greatest need. Then, you’ll research and summarize three peer-reviewed articles and three websites related to that priority area.

Reflection

In this reflection, I share how my experiences as both a parent of neurodiverse children and an early childhood educator have shaped my understanding of the importance of early, collaborative transition planning and how I apply PACER’s principles to support children and families as they move from preschool to kindergarten.

Professional Development Resources

Below are links to professional development resources focused on multicultural education. These tools and videos offer practical strategies and powerful insights to help educators create more inclusive, culturally responsive classrooms that honor and reflect the diverse backgrounds of all students.

The PACER Center offers guidance to help parents support their child's transition from early childhood special education to kindergarten, emphasizing the importance of family involvement in IEP meetings, preparing for behavioral needs, coordinating with school staff, and fostering open communication for a successful adjustment.

The Lanterman Regional Center outlines steps for a smooth preschool-to-kindergarten transition, emphasizing early planning, family involvement in the IEP process, and strong collaboration between parents, educators, and support staff.

The I'm Determined project, funded by the Virginia Department of Education, empowers youth with disabilities by providing instruction, models, and opportunities to develop self-determination skills. It offers resources for educators and families to support students in setting goals, self-advocating, and taking control of their lives.