IEP Transition Services in Missouri
When does IEP transition planning start in Missouri?
Missouri follows the federal IDEA requirement for transition services, which must begin with the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team (34 CFR 300.320(b); Missouri State Plan Regulation IV). Missouri does not require transition planning earlier than the federal age 16 baseline, unlike some states that begin at age 14 or 15. Transition services are defined as a coordinated set of activities focused on improving academic and functional achievement to facilitate movement from school to postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment, continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation (34 CFR 300.43). The IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments covering training/education, employment, and where appropriate independent living, and must specify the transition services needed to achieve those goals including the course of study. Missouri's age of majority is 18 (RSMo 431.055), and beginning at least one year before the student turns 18, the IEP must include a statement that the student has been informed of IDEA rights that will transfer at age 18. When a student turns 18, parental rights under IDEA transfer to the student unless the student has been determined incompetent under Missouri law.
What Missouri Requires
Transition planning must begin with the first IEP to be in effect when the student turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team — Missouri follows the federal baseline age of 16 (Missouri State Plan, Regulation IV; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
The transition IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments addressing training or education, employment, and where appropriate independent living skills (34 CFR 300.320(b)).
The IEP must include the transition services, including the course of study, needed to reach the student's postsecondary goals (34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Missouri's age of majority is 18 (RSMo 431.055); parental rights under IDEA transfer to the student at age 18 unless the student has been determined incompetent under state law (34 CFR 300.520).
Beginning at least one year before the student turns 18 (at age 17), the IEP must include a statement that the student has been informed of the IDEA rights that transfer at age 18 (34 CFR 300.320(c)).
Participating agencies responsible for transition services must be invited to IEP meetings where postsecondary goals and transition services are discussed, with parent consent (34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Key Timelines
Transition planning must begin no later than the first IEP when the student is age 16 (Missouri State Plan, Regulation IV; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Beginning at age 17 (one year before age 18), the IEP must notify the student of rights transferring at majority (34 CFR 300.320(c)).
FAPE continues until the student turns 21 or graduates with a regular high school diploma (RSMo 162.675; 34 CFR 300.102).