IEP Transition Services in Nevada
When does IEP transition planning start in Nevada?
Nevada requires transition service planning beginning at age 14, which is earlier than the federal minimum of age 16. Under NAC 388.284(1), beginning at age 14, the IEP must include the type of placement and transition services needed for the student in accordance with the student's individual needs, preferences, and interests. Beginning not later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16 (or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team), the IEP must include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and, where appropriate, independent living skills, as well as the transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the student in reaching those goals (34 CFR 300.320(b)). On or before the student's 17th birthday, the IEP must include a statement that the student has been informed of the rights that will devolve upon them at age 18, updated annually (NAC 388.284(m)). Students with disabilities are eligible for FAPE through the end of the school year in which they turn 21, unless they graduate with a regular diploma earlier. The student must be invited to IEP meetings when transition services are discussed; if the student cannot attend, the district must take steps to incorporate the student's preferences and interests.
What Nevada Requires
Beginning at age 14, the IEP must address transition service needs including placement type and transition services appropriate to the student's needs, preferences, and interests — earlier than the federal minimum age 16 (NAC 388.284(1)).
Beginning not later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16, the IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals (training, education, employment, independent living) based on age-appropriate transition assessments, and the transition services needed (34 CFR 300.320(b)).
On or before the student's 17th birthday, the IEP must include a statement that the student has been informed of the rights that will transfer to them at age 18; this statement must be updated annually (NAC 388.284(m)).
The student must be invited to their IEP meeting when transition services are discussed; if the student cannot attend, the district must obtain and incorporate the student's preferences and interests (34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Agency representatives who are likely to provide or pay for transition services may be invited to the IEP meeting with parental consent (34 CFR 300.321(b)(3)).
A Summary of Performance (SOP) must be provided to the student when FAPE eligibility terminates due to graduation or age-out (34 CFR 300.305(e)(3)).
Key Timelines
Age 14: transition service needs planning begins and is updated annually in the IEP (NAC 388.284(1)).
Age 16 (or earlier if appropriate): measurable postsecondary goals and transition services must be included in the IEP (34 CFR 300.320(b)).
By age 17: IEP must include notice to the student of rights transferring at age 18, updated annually (NAC 388.284(m)).
Age 18: educational decision-making rights transfer to the student unless a legal guardian has been appointed (NAC 388.284(m)).
Age 21 (end of school year): FAPE eligibility ends in Nevada unless the student graduates with a regular diploma earlier (NRS 388.433).
90 days before age 3: transition from Part C (early intervention) to Part B (preschool special education) must be planned (34 CFR 300.124).