IEP Transition Services in Kansas
When does IEP transition planning start in Kansas?
Kansas requires transition planning to begin no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16, consistent with federal law (K.S.A. 72-3404(d); K.A.R. 91-40-17(b); 34 CFR 300.320(b)). The transition IEP must include: (1) appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments relating to training, education, employment, and independent living skills where appropriate; (2) transition services (including a course of study) needed to assist the student in reaching postsecondary goals; and (3) a statement of interagency responsibilities and linkages. Kansas works with agencies such as the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF), Kansas Vocational Rehabilitation (Kansas VR) through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), and Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (KCDHH) to coordinate transition services. Beginning no later than age 18 (or one year before the age of majority), the IEP must document transfer of rights to the student (K.A.R. 91-40-47). The age of majority in Kansas is 18 (K.S.A. 38-101). Students leaving high school with a diploma or exceeding age eligibility are no longer entitled to IDEA services; KSDE encourages transition planning to begin as early as middle school.
What Kansas Requires
Transition planning must begin no later than the IEP in effect when the student turns 16, with measurable postsecondary goals in education/training, employment, and independent living where appropriate (K.S.A. 72-3404(d); K.A.R. 91-40-17; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Age-appropriate transition assessments must form the basis for postsecondary goals (K.A.R. 91-40-17; 34 CFR 300.320(b)(1)).
Transition services — including a course of study — must be specified with projected start date, frequency, and duration (K.A.R. 91-40-17(a)(7); 34 CFR 300.320(b)(2)).
The student must be invited to the IEP meeting when transition is discussed; if the student does not attend, other steps must be taken to incorporate the student's preferences (34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Interagency responsibilities and linkages (e.g., Kansas VR, DCF, KCDHH) must be documented in the transition IEP (34 CFR 300.320(b)(3)).
Beginning at least one year before age of majority (age 18), the IEP must document that the student has been informed of the transfer of rights (K.A.R. 91-40-47; 34 CFR 300.320(c)).
Key Timelines
Transition planning begins no later than the IEP in effect when the student turns 16 (K.S.A. 72-3404(d); 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
KSDE encourages transition planning to begin in middle school or earlier based on student needs.
Rights transfer notification must be provided beginning at age 17 (one year before the age of majority of 18) (K.A.R. 91-40-47; 34 CFR 300.320(c)).
Kansas VR referrals are encouraged no later than age 16 to allow coordination with transition planning.