tran·si·tion
/tranˈziSH(ə)n/
 noun
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the process or a period of changing from one state or condition to another.
"students in transition from one program to another"
As parents of children and youth with special health care needs, we go through many transitions as our children grow. These transitions can happen in different parts of life, such as:
- Medical - getting a diagnosis, changing doctors or hospitals or moving from kids’ doctors to adult doctors
- Educational – starting a new school, changing programs or graduating
- Family and Social – changes in daily routines, family roles, sibling relationships or finding friends and support
- Legal and Financial – applying for benefits, turning 18 or planning for the future
Early planning is key to any transition. We can prepare for change by asking questions, learning how things work and understanding what to expect. The transition timelines below are a few examples to help you start planning, both for now and the future.
Transition Timeline:
Birth to Age 3
Focus: Early Intervention and Diagnosis
During this time, you may receive a diagnosis or notice that your child is developing differently. This is often when early intervention begins.
- Get Support Early: Start therapies and services through programs like First Steps.
- Build Your Team: Begin building your child’s medical home-a support team that may include doctors, therapists and early childhood educators.
- Ask Questions: Learn about your child’s needs and what services are available to help.
Ages 3 to 5
Focus: Preschool and Special Education
At age 3, early intervention services end and your child may begin preschool services through your local school district.
- Special Education Begins: Your child may qualify for special education services at preschool.
- IEP Process: You’ll begin (or update) an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support your child’s learning.
- Share What You Know: Help the team by sharing your child’s learning style, communication needs and strengths.
- Stay Involved: Keep asking questions and working with the school team to support your child’s success.
Ages 5 to 13
Focus: Elementary Years and Growing Skills
During these years, your child continues learning and building important life skills. School teams may update the IEP to meet your child’s needs.
- Adjust to School Routines: Help your child get used to new routines, teachers and supports.
- Coordinate Care: Stay in touch with the school team, medical providers and others to make sure everyone is working together.
- Update the IEP: Review and adjust the IEP each year to match your child’s progress.
- Monitor Changes: Watch for changes in your child’s development, behavior and health and update plans as needed.
- Build Independence: Support your child in learning new tasks and making new choices.
Ages 14 to 17
Focus: Teen Years and Planning for Adulthood
At 14, schools begin transition planning as part of the IEP. This helps your child get ready for life after high school.
- Transition Goals: Work with the IEP team to set goals for life skills, work and education (schools are required to start transition planning by age 16).
- Talk About the Future: Start conversations about jobs, college, living options and more.
At home, families can start planning earlier – encourage and empower your child to be more involved with making decisions and planning for their future, such as leading their own IEP, setting goals for the future and speaking independently with their healthcare providers.
- Practice Skills: Begin teaching self-advocacy, decision-making and independence.
- Healthcare Transition: Start talking with doctors about moving to adult healthcare.
- Learn About Services: Get to know adult services like Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid Waivers or Social Security Income (SSI).
- Legal Changes: Consider legal planning for age 18 (supported decision-making, guardianship, benefit and financial planning).
Age 18 to 21+
Focus: Adult Life Begins
Turning 18 is a big milestone. Your child becomes a legal adult and some things may change with healthcare, education and support services.
- Legal Changes: Decide if your child needs help with decision-making.
- Adult Services: Apply for adult programs such as Medicaid Waivers, SSI or vocational support.
- Healthcare Transition: Move from pediatric to adult doctors.
- Life After School: Plan for work, college or day programs and explore housing or transportation options if needed.
- Focus on Long-term Goals: Work, friendships, community relationships and supported living.
Throughout the Journey
Focus: Life Changes That Can Happen Anytime
Not all transitions happen at certain ages, some happen when life changes suddenly or over time. These moments can bring stress, but also new ways to support your child and family.
- Health or Diagnosis Changes: A new diagnosis or change in your child’s condition may mean adjusting care and services.
- Changes in Care Settings: Moving between home, hospital or other care settings can take planning and support.
- New Providers or Insurance: Switching doctors, services or insurance plans can affect care and coverage.
- Emotional and Family Changes: Family stress, grief or changes in roles may happen as needs grow or shift.
- Planning for the Future: It’s never too early-or too late-to think about long-term care or support.
Transition planning prepares our children and youth for their next steps and supports them in building their best life. As families, it gives us time to plan for early intervention, the school years, life after school and health care. Most importantly, it helps us support our children as they work toward their life goals, dreams and new opportunities.
Every transition is unique and is a chance to reflect on what your child or youth needs for now, and what awaits in the future.
Remember:
- You don’t have to do this alone.
- Help is available.
- You are a part of a caring community.
Please check out the list of tools and resources at the end of this newsletter to help guide you through transitions. Family Partnership is here to help you every step of the way. Contact your Family Partner if you have questions or need support.
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