Transition Age Rights in Vermont
What are the transition age rights for IEP students in Vermont?
Vermont's formal transition planning requirement on the IEP begins at age 16, consistent with the federal IDEA minimum. Vermont strongly encourages transition planning beginning at age 14 as a best practice, and the IEP team should begin addressing transition service needs at that point when appropriate. Under VT AOE Rule 2363.7 and 34 CFR 300.320(b), beginning no later than the first IEP in effect when the student is 16, the IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals, transition services, and a course of study. Vermont maintains FAPE through the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 (VT AOE Rule 2360.2; 16 V.S.A. § 2944(e)). Educational rights transfer to the student at age 18 under VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12. Vermont connects students and families to the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) as key transition partners.
What Vermont Requires
Vermont's formal transition planning requirement begins at age 16 consistent with IDEA; earlier planning at age 14 is encouraged as best practice (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
By age 16, the IEP must include: (1) measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments; (2) transition services needed to achieve those goals; and (3) a course of study (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Transition assessments must be age-appropriate and cover training, education, employment, and (where appropriate) independent living (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)(1)).
The student must be invited to every IEP meeting at which transition is discussed; if the student does not attend, the district must take other steps to include student input (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Vermont connects students to DAIL and DVR beginning at age 14-16 as community transition partners; invited with parental consent (VT AOE Rule 2363.7).
At age 18, rights transfer to the student; the IEP must document notice of transfer (VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12).
FAPE continues through the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 (VT AOE Rule 2360.2; 16 V.S.A. § 2944(e)).
Key Timelines
Age 16: Transition planning must be formally included on the IEP beginning at age 16 in Vermont — consistent with IDEA; age 14 planning is encouraged but not mandated.
Age 18: Transfer of educational rights to the student (VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12).
Age 22: FAPE eligibility ends at end of school year in which student turns 22 (VT AOE Rule 2360.2; 16 V.S.A. § 2944(e)).
Annual: Transition plan must be updated as part of each annual IEP review (VT AOE Rule 2360.7.2).