IEP Transition Services in Washington D.C.
When does IEP transition planning start in Washington D.C.?
In Washington D.C., transition planning must begin no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16, consistent with IDEA 34 CFR 300.320(b), and OSSE encourages LEAs to begin transition planning earlier. The transition IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments in the areas of education/training, employment, and (where appropriate) independent living skills. It must also include transition services—including instruction, related services, community experiences, and development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives—needed to achieve those goals. In DC, transition services are coordinated with OSSE's Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA), which provides vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and with the DC Department on Disability Services (DDS) for students who may need adult supports. DC has a robust charter school environment, and charter school LEAs must provide the same transition planning as DCPS.
What Washington D.C. Requires
Beginning no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16 (or earlier if determined appropriate), the IEP must include appropriate measurable postsecondary goals in education/training, employment, and (where appropriate) independent living (34 CFR 300.320(b); DC Official Code § 38-2561.02).
Transition services must include instruction, related services, community experiences, development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and acquisition of daily living skills if appropriate (34 CFR 300.43).
Age-appropriate transition assessments in all relevant domains must be the basis for postsecondary goals; transition IEPs not grounded in assessments lack individualization (34 CFR 300.320(b)(1)).
The student must be invited to any IEP meeting where transition is discussed; if the student does not attend, the LEA must take steps to ensure their preferences and interests are represented (34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Agencies likely to provide or pay for transition services—including DC's Rehabilitation Services Administration and Department on Disability Services—must be invited to IEP meetings where transition is discussed, with parent consent (34 CFR 300.321(b)(3)).
Educational rights transfer to the student at age 18 in DC unless the student lacks capacity to make educational decisions; the LEA must notify families at least 1 year before the student's 18th birthday (DC Official Code § 38-2571.04).
DC's charter school LEAs must provide transition planning and coordinate with OSSE/RSA for their students; the charter is responsible for ensuring transition services are delivered or arranged (DC Official Code § 38-2571.02).
Key Timelines
Transition planning must begin no later than the first IEP in effect when the student turns 16 (34 CFR 300.320(b)); OSSE encourages earlier, particularly for students with significant disabilities.
Age-of-majority notice: at least 1 year before student turns 18 (DC Official Code § 38-2571.04).
Student invitation to transition IEP meeting: must be invited; if unable to attend, LEA must ensure student preferences are represented (34 CFR 300.321(b)).
Summary of Performance (SOP): must be provided to the student when IDEA eligibility ends due to graduation or age (34 CFR 300.305(e)(3)).