Montgomery County Public Schools

Transition Services

The transition services unit provides stakeholders with the necessary resources, tools, supports and professional development needed to ensure students a successful transition into further education, employment, and full participation in their community.

•  Transition Planning Process
•  Parent Workshops
•  Publications
•  Frequently Asked Questions
•  County, State, and Federal Resource Contacts

Transition Planning Process

Transition services are a student centered planning process that is designed to meet the students educational, employment and independent living outcomes. These outcomes may include:

• Post-secondary education
• Job training
• Employment (supported)
• Continuing and Adult education
• Adult services
• Independent living
• Community participation

A student's transition plan becomes a part of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process beginning at age 14 or younger, if appropriate. Transition planning is a process that should include the following:

• Identifying the student's post-high school goals
• Assessing the student's interests and abilities in relation to identified goals
• Determining courses, experiences, and programs that will prepare the student to reach his/her goals
• Supporting the student in transition-related activities
• Determining the student's anticipated adult service needs
• Linking the student and parent with potential adult services

Students receive an array of services to help them attain their identified post-secondary outcomes and to prepare them to be college, career and community ready. These services may include, but are not limited to; career education, career exploration, social skills and self-advocacy instruction,  career technology education, in-school and community work-based learning experiences, independent living skills instruction, and linkage to community agencies.

Transition Planning Parent Workshops

MCPS Transition Information for Parents and Students, Families of students with an IEP for Ages 14 to 21 - Interpreters available upon request. 

Sponsored by Montgomery County Public Schools Transition Services Unit. 

Questions? Please call MCPS Transition Services at (240) 740-5900

Handouts from Financial Planning and Guardianship Night  

Publications

Listed below are commonly used publications related to transition planning. These publications are organized according to their source - MCPS, Montgomery County, the State of Maryland, and National.

 MCPS Publications:

• Transition Planning Guide for Individuals with Disabilities
  The Maryland State Department of Education Transition Planning Guide for Individuals with Disabilities provides information to students, parents/guardians, educators, and community agencies about the transition process. Although every student will have individualized transition goals and outcomes, this guide provides “preliminary” information about the requirements of the transition process under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) as well as recommended strategies and resources to acquire a positive outcome.
•  Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Transition Services
  A booklet that describes MCPS Transition Services, certificate and diploma requirements, and suggestions on how to guide students, parents and educators on making the diploma/certificate decision.
•  School to Adult Living Transition Services
  A brochure that describes the goal of transition services and how these services are implemented in MCPS.
•  Building Partnership with Business
  A brochure that describes how MCPS partners with the business community to provide training and employment opportunities for High School students with disabilities.
•  The Transition Connection
  A directory that describes public and private agencies that support students with disabilities and their families.
•  Are you Ready
  A transition checklist for students with disabilities and their families.
•  Exploring Carers Internship Program
•  Community and Career Connection/Transition Training for Independence
   Transition Services Offsite Programs Brochure
• Summer Camps Brochure: English/Spanish
• Recreation Leisure Opportunities Booklet: English/Spanish

•  Disability Network Directory
  A directory that lists providers, agencies, businesses, and advocacy organizations provided by Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, Aging and Disability Services, and the Commission on People with Disabilities.  
•  Transportation Options for Seniors and People with Disabilities

 National Publications:

•  HEATH Publications
  The HEATH Resource Center of The George Washington University, Graduate School of Education and HumanDevelopment, is the National Clearinghouse on Post-secondary Education for Individuals with Disabilities.
•  Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR):  

Central resource of information and products for families of children with disabilities

• OSERS Transition Guide
 Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services Resource Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

 1. What is transition planning?

Transition planning is the process of implementing a coordinated set of activities that is designed to help a student with disabilities reach his/her identified outcomes.

   2. What are Outcomes?

Outcomes are the post-school activities toward which the student is working. The IEP team may identify more than one outcome for a student. There are four identified outcomes in the transition section of the Individualized Education Program:

• Employment
• Training
• Education
• Independent Living 

 3. When does transition planning occur?

Transition planning first becomes a formal part of the IEP during the school year in which the student turns 14, or younger, if appropriate.

 4. What services may students receive?

Students may receive an array of services including, but not limited to the following:

• Transition planning
• Instruction geared to post-secondary school outcomes
• Career education and career exploration
• Social skills and self-advocacy instruction
• Career Technology Education courses
• In-school and community work-based learning experiences
• Independent living skills instruction (activities of daily living and transportation training)
• Linkages to community agencies

 5. Who provides these services?

All staff involved in the students educational program are responsible for preparing students to achieve their post-secondary and employment goals. Special responsibility is assigned to the Transition Support Teacher (TST) who coordinates the transition planning process.

 6.What are anticipated post-secondary services?

Each year, as part of the transition plan, the IEP team identifies the services the student may need during the first year following their exit from school. Students must meet eligibility criteria in order to receive services.

 7. How are students linked to post-school services?

Starting at age 14, or earlier if appropriate, the IEP team should discuss and plan linkages to post-school services as part of the transition planning process.

 8. What is the difference between entitlement and eligibility systems?

A free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for individuals with disabilities is an entitlement from birth until the end of the school year in which the student earns their diploma or turns 21 years old. In order to receive post-secondary services and support, a student must apply and be found eligible based on the providing agency's referral protocol.

 9. Which students earn a Maryland High School diploma?

All High School students receive a Maryland High School diploma based upon successful fulfillment of four categories of requirements:  enrollment, course credit, student service learning (SSL) and Maryland assessments.

 10. Which students earn a Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion?

The Maryland High School Certificate is awarded to students with disabilities who cannot meet the requirements for a diploma, but who meet one of the following standards:

• The student is enrolled in an education program for at least 4 years beyond grade 8, or its age equivalent, and is determined by an IEP team, with the agreement of the parents of the student with disabilities, to have developed appropriate skills for the individual to enter the world of work, act responsibly as a citizen, and enjoy a fulfilling life; including but not limited to: gainful employment, post-secondary education and training, supported employment, and other services integrated in the community 
  
  
  or...
  
   
• The student has been enrolled in an education program for 4 years beyond grade 8, or its age equivalent, and will have reached age 21 by the end of the student's current school year.

The final decision to award a student with disabilities a Maryland High School Certificate of Program Completion will not be made until after the beginning of the student's last year in high school.

 11. Can students who receive a Maryland Certificate of Program Completion prior to age 21 re-enroll?

Yes. IDEA (the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) allows for continuation of educational services to student with disabilities up to age 21.

Yes. Students who graduate with a certificate may apply for admissions to any Maryland community college, such as Montgomery College. Students should contact the admissions office of the college for specific school requirements.

Parents and guardians are important and valued partners with students and school staff in identifying their child’s post-secondary outcomes, planning the school program, and determining the adult service needs. Parents obtain information on available services through parent meetings and participating in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) planning process.

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County, State, and Federal Resource Contacts

Listed below is the contact information for resources that are commonly used for transition planning.

•  Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS):
  The DHHS website describes services available to residents of Montgomery County. The Aging and Disability link describes programs and services available to older adults and people with disabilities in Montgomery County. 240-777-1246
•  Montgomery College and Disability Support Services:
  Montgomery college websites that describes degree, certificate, and Continuing Education programs. Disability Support Services link describes support services and eligibility requirements. 301-279-5058
•  Montgomery County Department of Recreation:
  Department of Recreations website that lists programs, registration information, and more. 240-777-6800
•  Worksource Montgomery:
  Worksource Montgomery provides a One-Stop Online delivery system that simplifies access to workforce-related services. Worksource Montgomery has offices in Germantown and Wheaton.
•   Department of Rehabilitation Services(DORS) 
  The Department of Rehabilitation Services provides short term funding to programs for individuals with disabilities found eligible to meet employment and independence goals. Provision of services is based on funding availability. Call 301-949-3750.
•   Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) 
  The Developmental Disabilities Administration provides long term funding for individuals eligible for adult day, residential, or support services for individuals with developmental disabilities to work and live as independently as possible in the community. Eligibility is based on priority, availability of needed services and funding, and acceptance by the agency of the client’s application. Call 301-362-5100.
•   Mental Hygiene Administration (MHA) 
  The Mental Hygiene Administration provides services through the Public Mental Health System. Individuals and families must meet eligibility criteria. Call 1-800-888-1965
•   Social Security 
  The Social Security website provides comprehensive information on federally funded disability benefits programs. Call 1-800-772-1213.
•   Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) 
  The Maryland State Department of Education website provides information and resources for parents, students, and educators.
•   Maryland Parents’ Place 
  The Parents' Place of Maryland is a non-profit family-centered organization that provides information about workshops and services, publications, and resources to enhance the lives of persons with disabilities.
•   National Center on Secondary Education and Transition (NCEST) 
  NCEST coordinates national resources, offers technical assistance, and disseminates information related to secondary education and transition for youth to achieve sucessful futures.  
•   National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability (NCWD/Youth) 
  NCWD/Youth is a source for information about employment and youth with disabilities.
•   Think College College Options for People with Intellectual Disabilities 
  This web site is designed to provide resources and tools for students, families and professionals about college option for people with intellectual disabilities.
•   The Maryland Transition Website 
  Provides a collection of resources and information related to transition planning, post-secondary education, employment services an much more for youth with disabilities, parents, and professionals.
•   Maryland Higher Education Commission 
  A guide to help families find college courses, information on scholarships, and other forms of financial aide.
•   WMATA Accessibility 
  Information on Metro reduced fair card and Metro Access.
• Maryland ABLE Act

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