Skip to Content
Exceptional Student Education
Skip Navigation

Secondary Transition

Definition

Secondary transition refers to the process a student with a disability goes through as they move from high school to whatever comes next, including postsecondary education, employment and independent living. In Florida, this begins at age 12 and may not end until 22, pursuant to federal and state law.

The term “transition services” or “transition planning” means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that:

  • Is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including postsecondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment); continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participatio;n
  • Is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences, and interests; and
  • Includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, if appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.

State Lead Contact

Florida Statues and Rule

Florida Department of Education Resources

Bureau of Exceptional Student Education Discretionary Projects