IEP Transition Services in Washington
When does IEP transition planning start in Washington?
Washington follows the federal transition planning age of 16, with flexibility for earlier planning. Beginning with the first IEP in effect when a student turns 16, or younger if determined appropriate by the IEP team, the IEP must include: (1) measurable postsecondary goals based on age-appropriate transition assessments related to training, education, employment, and independent living; (2) transition services needed to help the student reach those goals; and (3) a description of how postsecondary goals and transition services align with the student's High School and Beyond Plan (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k)). The alignment requirement with the High School and Beyond Plan — a Washington-specific graduation planning document — is a notable state-specific provision. Under RCW 28A.155.220, OSPI must establish interagency agreements with DSHS, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and other agencies to coordinate transition services. The IEP must include invited agency representatives when transition services are discussed. At age 18, parental rights transfer to the student (WAC 392-172A-05135). FAPE continues through age 21 (or through age 22 for certain students pursuant to the N.D. v. Reykdal settlement, 2023). Washington's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a key partner agency for transition-age students pursuing employment.
What Washington Requires
Beginning at age 16 (or younger if appropriate), the IEP must include measurable postsecondary goals in training, education, employment, and independent living based on transition assessments (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k)).
The IEP must describe how postsecondary transition goals and services align with the student's High School and Beyond Plan — a Washington-specific requirement (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k)).
Transition services needed to reach postsecondary goals must be specified, including instruction, related services, community experiences, employment objectives, and daily living skills (WAC 392-172A-01190; 34 CFR 300.43).
Agency representatives from DSHS, DVR (Division of Vocational Rehabilitation), and other transition agencies must be invited to IEP meetings when transition services are discussed (RCW 28A.155.220; 34 CFR 300.321(b)).
The IEP must include a statement that rights transfer to the student at age 18, added beginning with the IEP in effect when the student turns 17 (WAC 392-172A-05135).
Washington's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides employment services and pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) to eligible students with disabilities — districts must coordinate IEP transition plans with DVR when applicable (RCW 28A.155.220).
Key Timelines
Transition planning begins by age 16, or earlier if the IEP team determines appropriate (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k)).
The statement about rights transfer must be in the IEP beginning at age 17 (WAC 392-172A-05135).
Parental rights transfer to the student at age 18 unless the student is incapacitated under RCW 11.130 (WAC 392-172A-05135).
FAPE eligibility ends at age 21 (or the end of the school year in which the student turns 21) (WAC 392-172A-02000(2)(b)); extended to age 22 for certain students (N.D. v. Reykdal settlement, 2023).
Transition goals must be updated annually at each IEP review (WAC 392-172A-03090(1)(k); 34 CFR 300.324(b)).