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Special Education » Transition Services

Transition Services

Planning for the Future: Secondary Transition
 

Transition planning is a formal process that helps students with disabilities move from high school to adult life. At Parlier Unified, we begin this conversation early to ensure our students are prepared for post-secondary education, integrated employment, and independent living.

 

The Individual Transition Plan (ITP)

Beginning no later than the student’s 16th birthday (and often starting at age 15), the IEP team will develop an Individual Transition Plan (ITP). This plan is based on the student’s strengths, interests, and goals for life after high school.

  • Student-Led: We encourage our students to lead their own ITP meetings to build self-advocacy skills.

  • Agency Links: The ITP connects students to adult service agencies that provide support long after graduation.

Fresno County Regional Resources

We partner with local agencies to provide a seamless transition for our students. Please explore the following resources:

Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC)

The CVRC provides support and coordination of services for individuals with developmental disabilities. They are a key partner in planning for adult day programs, supported living, and specialized employment.

  • Website: www.cvrc.org

  • Fresno Office: 4615 N. Marty Ave, Fresno, CA 93722

  • Phone: (559) 276-4300

California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)

The DOR works with students with disabilities to provide vocational training, job placement, and career counseling. Many of our students qualify for "Student to Work" programs while still in high school.

  • Website: www.dor.ca.gov

  • Fresno District Office: 2550 Mariposa Mall, Room 2000, Fresno, CA 93721

  • Phone: (559) 445-6011

WorkAbility I Program

Parlier Unified School District participates in the WorkAbility I program, a California-funded initiative that provides students with pre-employment skills training and paid work experience.

Fresno County SELPA – Transition Services

As part of our local SELPA, our families have access to regional transition fairs and workshops.

 

Transition to Reedley College

For many of our students, Reedley College offers an excellent pathway to a degree, certificate, or vocational training. However, the process for receiving support changes significantly once a student leaves high school.

Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSP&S)

At Reedley College, "Special Education" is replaced by DSP&S. To receive accommodations (such as extra time on tests, note-taking assistance, or specialized technology), the student must apply directly to the DSP&S office.

Key Differences to Know:

  • Self-Advocacy: Unlike high school, the college will not "find" the student. The student must reach out and provide documentation of their disability.

  • Confidentiality: College staff will communicate directly with the student, not the parent, unless the student signs a specific privacy waiver (FERPA).

Reedley College DSP&S Resources

Specialized Programs at Reedley

  • Learning Disabilities (LD) Program: Assessment and specialized instruction for students with identified learning challenges.

     

     

  • High Tech Center: Access to adaptive hardware and software (screen readers, speech-to-text, etc.).

     

     

  • Workability III: A collaboration between Reedley College and the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) to help students with disabilities find and maintain employment.

Notice of Transfer of Educational Rights

What Happens When Your Student Turns 18?

Under California law, when a student reaches the age of 18 (the "age of majority"), they are legally considered an adult. This means that all the educational rights previously held by the parents—including the right to consent to evaluations, attend IEP meetings, and sign the IEP document—transfer automatically to the student.

At Parlier Unified, we ensure this transition is smooth by providing the following:

  • The 17th Birthday Notification: One year before the student's 18th birthday, the IEP team will formally notify the parent and the student of this upcoming transfer of rights.

  • Student Leadership: We encourage students to take an active, leading role in their IEP meetings during their 17th and 18th years to prepare for this responsibility.

  • Documentation: Once the student turns 18, all meeting notices and legal documents will be sent directly to the student, though parents are still encouraged to attend as part of the student's support team.

Options for Continued Parent Involvement

We recognize that many of our students continue to need or want their parents' support in making educational decisions. There are several ways to maintain this partnership:

  1. Supported Decision-Making (SDM): This is a formal agreement where the student chooses "supporters" (like parents) to help them understand, consider, and communicate educational choices without giving up their legal right to make the final decision.

  2. Power of Attorney: A student may choose to sign a Power of Attorney specifically for educational matters, designating a parent to act on their behalf.

  3. Conservatorship: In specific cases where a student is unable to make their own decisions even with support, some families may pursue a legal conservatorship through the Fresno County Superior Court.

Resources for Families