By at least age 14 or 8^th grade, students with disabilities and their families must be offered transition planning as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Transition planning prepares students for their future after high school and through adulthood. Transition planning focuses on allowing students with disabilities and their families to create their own goals and provides plans for achievement.

Transition planning in the IEP process focuses on employment, post-secondary education or training, community participation and independent living. The IEP team should student as a part of the transition planning process. Also, agency representatives who may provide and/or pay for transition services become critical members of the planning team as well.