IEP Transition Services in Maryland
When does IEP transition planning start in Maryland?
Maryland has a robust transition planning framework that begins at age 14, two years earlier than the federal minimum of 16. Under COMAR 13A.05.01.09A(3) and Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 8-405, beginning with the IEP in effect when a student turns 14 (or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team), the IEP must include coordinated, measurable, results-oriented transition planning. This includes: (1) age-appropriate transition assessments in education, training, employment, and where appropriate, independent living; (2) measurable postsecondary goals based on those assessments; (3) transition services and activities, including courses of study, needed to reach those goals; and (4) interagency responsibilities. At age 14, transition planning focuses on the course of study and identification of strengths, interests, and preferences. At age 16 (consistent with federal law), the IEP must include formal transition services with linkages to outside agencies. Maryland requires that students be invited to attend their own IEP meetings when transition is being discussed (COMAR 13A.05.01.07B). Agency representatives from the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS — Maryland's vocational rehabilitation agency), Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), and other agencies must be invited when their services are likely to be provided or purchased (COMAR 13A.05.01.09A(3)). At age 18, educational rights transfer to the student unless a legal guardian or surrogate parent has been appointed (Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 8-412.1). FAPE eligibility in Maryland extends through age 21 (Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 8-403).
What Maryland Requires
Transition planning must begin at age 14 — two years earlier than the federal minimum of 16 (COMAR 13A.05.01.09A(3); Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 8-405).
Beginning at age 14, the IEP must include age-appropriate transition assessments, measurable postsecondary goals, and a course of study (COMAR 13A.05.01.09A(3)).
At age 16, the IEP must include formal transition services with interagency responsibilities and linkages to DORS, DDA, and other agencies (COMAR 13A.05.01.09A(3); 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Students must be invited to their own IEP meetings when transition is discussed (COMAR 13A.05.01.07B; 34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Agency representatives from DORS, DDA, and other relevant agencies must be invited when their services are likely to be provided (COMAR 13A.05.01.09A(3)).
A statement of the transfer of rights at age 18 must be included in the IEP at least one year before the student reaches age 18 (34 CFR 300.320(c)).
Key Timelines
Transition planning begins at age 14 (COMAR 13A.05.01.09A(3); Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 8-405).
Formal postsecondary transition services must be in the IEP by age 16 (34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Rights transfer to the student at age 18 unless a guardian/surrogate is appointed (34 CFR 300.520; Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 8-412.1).
FAPE eligibility continues through age 21 (Md. Code Ann., Ed. § 8-403).
The student must be notified of the rights transfer at least one year before turning 18 (34 CFR 300.320(c)).