Transition Age Rights in Missouri
What are the transition age rights for IEP students in Missouri?
Missouri follows the federal IDEA baseline for transition age requirements. Transition planning must begin with the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 16, or younger if the IEP team determines it is appropriate (34 CFR 300.320(b); Missouri State Plan Regulation IV). Missouri does not require earlier transition planning than the federal minimum of age 16, unlike states such as Colorado (age 15), Indiana (age 14), or New Jersey (age 14). Missouri's age of majority is 18 (RSMo 431.055), which is the standard federal default. This means: (1) parental rights under IDEA transfer to the student at age 18 unless the student has been determined incompetent under Missouri law; (2) the rights-transfer statement must be included in the IEP beginning at age 17 (one year before age 18); and (3) FAPE continues until the student turns 21 or graduates with a regular high school diploma. Missouri defines 'children with disabilities' as children under the age of 21 who have not completed an approved high school program (RSMo 162.675), establishing the FAPE upper age limit at 21.
What Missouri Requires
Transition planning must begin with the first IEP when the student turns 16, or younger if appropriate — Missouri follows the federal baseline, not an earlier state-specific age (Missouri State Plan, Regulation IV; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Missouri's age of majority is 18 (RSMo 431.055); parental rights transfer to the student at age 18, consistent with the federal default (34 CFR 300.520).
Beginning at age 17 (one year before age 18), the IEP must include a statement that the student has been informed of IDEA rights that transfer at age 18 (34 CFR 300.320(c)).
FAPE extends to eligible children under age 21 who have not completed an approved high school program (RSMo 162.675; 34 CFR 300.102).
The transition IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals and the transition services and course of study needed to reach those goals (34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Key Timelines
Transition planning must begin no later than the first IEP when the student turns 16 (34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Rights-transfer notification in IEP must begin at age 17 (one year before age 18 majority) (34 CFR 300.320(c)).
FAPE ends at age 21 or upon graduation with a regular high school diploma (RSMo 162.675; 34 CFR 300.102).