Transition

As you and your child transition between service systems, you may find that the resources you need from this roadmap will change over time. Transitions have different meanings for different ages and settings. Individuals will transition through services as they move from the early intervention program to preschool, from preschool to kindergarten through high school, and from high school to adult services that may include employment or college. Transferring from pediatric medical care to adult medical care is another example of a transition. You may also transition from a nursing home to the community and from a hospital setting to your home.

Many agencies provide a variety of services, each of which may be needed at different stages of life; therefore, you may need to contact them more than once over the years. Make sure you plan ahead for transitions before they actually occur; giving yourself time to plan will make the transition process go much more smoothly. Planning and coordination are vital to achieving successful transition. Services and supports are available to help you move through the different stages.