IEP Transition Services in Vermont
When does IEP transition planning start in Vermont?
Vermont requires transition planning beginning at age 16 consistent with the federal IDEA minimum. Vermont encourages transition planning beginning at age 14 as a best practice, and the IEP team should begin addressing transition service needs at age 14 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 appropriate measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments relating to training, education, employment, and (where appropriate) independent living; transition services needed to achieve those goals; and a course of study. Transition service needs must be documented and updated annually on the IEP. Vermont's Community-Based Transition Services programs and connections with the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) and Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) support post-school outcomes. The IEP team must invite the student to the meeting when transition is discussed and may invite relevant outside agency representatives (VT AOE Rule 2363.7). At age 18, educational rights transfer to the student unless legal guardianship has been established (VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12). Students with disabilities remain eligible for FAPE through the end of the school year in which they turn 22 in Vermont (VT AOE Rule 2360.2; 16 V.S.A. § 2944(e)).
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 appropriate measurable postsecondary goals (training, education, employment, independent living), transition services, and a course of study (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Transition service needs must be based on age-appropriate transition assessments and documented annually on the IEP (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
The IEP team must invite the student to attend any IEP meeting where transition services will be discussed; if the student does not attend, the district must take other steps to ensure the student's preferences are considered (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Vermont IEP teams may invite representatives from DAIL/DVR and other community agencies when transition is discussed, with parental consent (VT AOE Rule 2363.7).
At age 18, educational rights transfer to the student; the IEP must document that the student has been notified (VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12).
Key Timelines
Transition service needs must be formally addressed beginning at age 16; earlier transition planning at age 14 is encouraged (VT AOE Rule 2363.7; 34 CFR 300.320(b)).
Age 18: educational rights transfer to the student; IEP must document notice of transfer (VT AOE Rule 2365.1.12).
Age 22: FAPE eligibility ends in Vermont — students are eligible through the end of the school year in which they turn 22 (VT AOE Rule 2360.2; 16 V.S.A. § 2944(e)).
Part B transition conference for Part C early intervention students must occur at least 90 days before the child's third birthday (VT AOE Rule 2360.3; 34 CFR 300.124).