IEP Transition Services in New Hampshire
When does IEP transition planning start in New Hampshire?
In New Hampshire, transition planning is a critical component of the IEP for students with disabilities beginning not later than the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 14 (per Ed 1109.01(a)(10)) years old, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team (RSA 186-C:7; Ed 1109.03; Ed 1102.05(n)). The transition IEP must include age-appropriate transition assessments, measurable postsecondary goals based on these assessments related to training, education, employment, and independent living skills, and the transition services (including courses of study) needed to assist the child in reaching those goals (34 CFR 300.320(b)). Beginning not later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law, the IEP must include a statement that the child has been informed of the rights that will transfer to the child at age of majority (34 CFR 300.320(c)). The IEP team must invite the student to attend the IEP meeting when transition services are being considered, and if the student does not attend, the school must take steps to ensure the student's preferences and interests are considered in the transition planning process (34 CFR 300.321(b)). When appropriate and with parental consent, the school must also invite representatives from participating agencies likely to be responsible for providing or paying for transition services (34 CFR 300.321(b)(3)).
What New Hampshire Requires
Transition planning must begin by the first IEP meeting when the child turns 14 (per Ed 1109.01(a)(10)) years old, or younger if the IEP team determines it is appropriate (Ed 1109.03; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
The transition IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals in the areas of training, education, employment, and independent living skills, based on age-appropriate transition assessments (34 CFR 300.320(b)(1)).
The IEP must identify specific transition services and courses of study needed to help the student reach those postsecondary goals (34 CFR 300.320(b)(2)).
By one year before the child reaches the age of majority under New Hampshire law, the IEP must document that the child has been informed of the rights that will transfer to the child at the age of majority (34 CFR 300.320(c)).
The school must invite the student to attend the IEP meeting when transition services are discussed, and if the student cannot attend, must take steps to ensure the student's preferences and interests are considered in transition planning (34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Key Timelines
Transition planning begins: by the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 14 (per Ed 1109.01(a)(10)) years old, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team (34 CFR 300.320(b))
Notice of transfer of rights at age of majority: must be included in the IEP not later than one year before the child reaches the age of majority under state law (34 CFR 300.320(c))
Student invitation to IEP meeting: when transition services are a purpose of the meeting, the student must be invited to attend; the notice must indicate this purpose and identify the student's participation (34 CFR 300.322(b)(2))