Transition Age Rights in Indiana
What are the transition age rights for IEP students in Indiana?
Indiana's transition age framework is one of the state's most distinctive features. A Transition IEP (TIEP) must be in effect when the student enters 9th grade or the school year in which the student turns 14, whichever occurs first — making Indiana one of the states with the earliest mandatory transition planning onset, two years earlier than the federal IDEA minimum of age 16 (511 IAC 7-43-4; 34 CFR 300.320(b)). The TIEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments in education/training, employment, and if appropriate, independent living; a Statement of Transition Service Needs documenting course of study and transition activities; and annual goals aligned to postsecondary goals. The student must be invited to all Case Conference Committee (CCC) meetings when transition is discussed; if absent, the CCC must ensure the student's preferences and interests are incorporated by other means. Beginning not later than one year before the student turns 18, the TIEP must include a statement that parental rights will transfer to the student at age 18 under 511 IAC 7-43-5. All parental educational rights transfer to the student at age 18 unless a guardian or educational representative is appointed. FAPE eligibility continues through the school year in which the student turns 22 — through the end of the school year in which the student becomes 22, not merely until the birthday itself (IC 20-35-1-7; 511 IAC 7-42-10).
What Indiana Requires
Transition IEP (TIEP) must be in effect at 9th grade entry or the school year the student turns 14, whichever is first — two years earlier than the federal minimum (511 IAC 7-43-4).
The TIEP must include measurable postsecondary goals in education/training, employment, and if appropriate, independent living, based on age-appropriate transition assessments (511 IAC 7-43-4).
Indiana's TIEP includes a Statement of Transition Service Needs documenting the course of study and transition services aligned to postsecondary goals (511 IAC 7-43-4).
The student must be invited to all CCC meetings addressing transition; if the student cannot attend, the CCC must incorporate the student's preferences and interests by other means (511 IAC 7-43-4).
Beginning one year before the student turns 18, the TIEP must include a statement that parental rights will transfer to the student at age 18 (511 IAC 7-43-5).
FAPE eligibility continues through the school year in which the student turns 22 — through the end of that school year, not merely until the birthday (IC 20-35-1-7; 511 IAC 7-42-10).
Key Timelines
Age 14 (or 9th grade entry, whichever is first): Transition IEP (TIEP) must be in effect (511 IAC 7-43-4).
Not later than age 17 (one year before age 18): TIEP must include age-of-majority rights-transfer notification (511 IAC 7-43-5).
Age 18: all parental educational rights transfer to the student unless a guardian or educational representative is appointed (511 IAC 7-43-5).
Through the school year in which the student turns 22: FAPE eligibility continues (IC 20-35-1-7; 511 IAC 7-42-10).
Sources
Related IEP Guides
IEP Transition Goals: Preparing Your Child for Life After High School
What IEP transition planning is, when it starts, what transition goals should include, and how to prepare your child for life after school.
Your IEP Rights: What Schools Must Do
Know your rights in the IEP process. Learn about Prior Written Notice, independent evaluations, stay-put, due process, and 10 rights every parent should know.