IEP Transition Services in Idaho
When does IEP transition planning start in Idaho?
Idaho transition planning follows the federal IDEA standard, beginning at age 16 (or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team). Under IDAPA 08.02.03.110.07 and 34 CFR 300.320(b), beginning at age 16 the IEP must include: appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and where appropriate independent living skills; and a statement of the transition services needed to assist the student in reaching those goals, including courses of study. Idaho does not have a lower mandatory transition age than the federal 16. The IEP team must invite the student to transition planning meetings, and must take other steps to obtain student preferences if the student does not attend. Transition services include instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills. Students remain eligible for FAPE in Idaho through age 21 (Idaho Code § 33-2001). At age 18, educational decision-making rights transfer to the student (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.08).
What Idaho Requires
Beginning at age 16 (or younger if appropriate), the IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on transition assessments addressing training, education, employment, and where appropriate independent living (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.07; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
The IEP must include a statement of transition services needed to assist the student in reaching postsecondary goals, including a course of study (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.07; 34 CFR 300.320(b)(2)).
The student must be invited to the IEP meeting when transition services will be discussed; if the student does not attend, the district must take other steps to obtain the student's preferences and interests (IDAPA 08.02.03.109; 34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Transition assessments must be age-appropriate and must address postsecondary training, education, employment, and where appropriate independent living needs (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.07; 34 CFR 300.320(b)(1)).
At age 18, the IEP must document that the student has been informed of the transfer of educational rights (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.08; 34 CFR 300.320(c)).
Agency representatives who may provide or pay for transition services must be invited to the IEP meeting, with parental consent, when appropriate (IDAPA 08.02.03.109; 34 CFR 300.321(b)(3)).
Key Timelines
Transition planning must begin at age 16 or younger if the IEP team determines it is appropriate; updated annually (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.07; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Age 18: educational rights transfer to the student; IEP must document prior notice of transfer (IDAPA 08.02.03.110.08; 34 CFR 300.320(c)).
Age 21: FAPE eligibility ends in Idaho (Idaho Code § 33-2001).
Transition from Part C (early intervention, birth to age 3) to Part B (preschool): transition conference must be held at least 90 days before the child's third birthday (IDAPA 08.02.03.071; 34 CFR 300.124).