In Minnesota, when your child is in ninth grade, their Individualized Education Program (IEP) will change to include goals for their life after high school. This process is called transition planning and focuses on your child’s education, employment, and daily living needs.

Who is on the IEP team? 

Your child’s IEP team includes:

• Your child
• You (the parents)
• At least one regular education teacher (if your child is participating in regular education)
• At least one special education teacher or service provider
• A representative from the school district
• Other individuals who are involved in your child’s education and development (Example: employment program personnel, school transition specialists, additional family members, etc.)

The IEP team will help plan how your child will make the transition from where they are now to where they want to be.

What changes will be made to my child’s IEP?

Your child’s IEP will start to include activities to prepare them for adulthood. Federal law requires that IEPs include goals for post-secondary education, employment, and independent living. The IEP team will use assessment data to determine your child’s needs. This will help them plan for transition services that will help your child meet their goals. Transition services may include activities that help your child with vocational skills, recreation and leisure, home living, and more.

What is a PLAAFP statement?

A Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) statement is a part of the IEP that explains your child’s needs in terms of their current functioning and the impact of their disability. It will be written based on data from evaluations, assessments, classroom observations, and more. The PLAAFP describes your child at the current moment and helps shape their annual goals.