IEP Transition Services in Rhode Island
When does IEP transition planning start in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires transition services to be addressed in the IEP beginning at age 16 (or earlier when determined appropriate by the IEP team), consistent with 200-RICR-20-10-1.6(B) and 34 CFR 300.320(b). Transition services must include coordinated, results-oriented activities based on the individual student's needs, taking into account strengths, preferences, and interests. Transition goals must address postsecondary education or vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, and community participation as appropriate. The IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments. Rhode Island students with disabilities are eligible for FAPE through the school year in which they turn 21. Beginning no later than one year before age 18, the IEP must document that the student has been informed of the transfer of educational rights (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(H); R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-3). Rhode Island's Office of Rehabilitative Services (ORS) may be a participating agency in transition planning.
What Rhode Island Requires
Beginning at age 16 (or earlier when appropriate), the IEP must include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and independent living where appropriate (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(B); 34 CFR 300.320(b)(1)).
The IEP must include transition services needed to assist the student in reaching postsecondary goals, including a course of study (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(B)(2); 34 CFR 300.320(b)(2)).
If a participating agency other than the district (e.g., Rhode Island ORS) is responsible for a transition service, the IEP must identify that agency; if the agency fails to provide the service, the district must reconvene the IEP team (34 CFR 300.324(c)(1)).
The student must be invited to IEP meetings where transition services are discussed; if the student does not attend, the district must take other steps to obtain student input (34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Beginning no later than one year before the student reaches age 18, the IEP must document that the student was informed of the transfer of educational rights (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(H); R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-3).
Key Timelines
Transition services must be addressed in the IEP beginning at age 16, or earlier if determined appropriate, and updated annually (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(B); 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Age 18: educational rights transfer to the student (unless under guardianship); IEP must document one year prior notice (200-RICR-20-10-1.6(H); R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-3).
Age 21: FAPE eligibility ends at the close of the school year in which the student turns 21, or upon graduation with a regular diploma (R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-24-1).
Transition conference for Part C early intervention students must occur 90 days before the child's third birthday, no later than the child's third birthday (200-RICR-20-10-1.5; 34 CFR 300.124).