When education professionals and families manage transition programming together, students receive collaborative, comprehensive services that may lead to better postsecondary outcomes. Collaboration is important to create tailored curricula and supports across service providers. Students are more likely to leave high school employed and with community-living skills that promote and sustain independence when professionals work as a team. Developing an interagency team requires reevaluating roles and expectations as well as identifying any service gaps that may impact postsecondary outcomes.

Developing Cohesive Teams

Transition teams often include students, parents or guardians, special education teachers, and building administrators. For more comprehensive support, teams may also benefit from the expertise of professionals in physical and occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, and behavioral management.

Offering Holistic Service Provision

Interagency teams can bring in additional professionals for holistic service provision. That includes early needs assessments, pre-employment training, and connections to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors. As students seek jobs, benefits counselors can help them understand the impact of earned income on government programs, including work incentives. If the students have a Medicaid waiver, their case manager ensures adult services are planned and in place at the time of graduation.

Case Studies on Collaboration

The following organizations highlight effective processes for collaboration. Way2Work Maryland's interagency team bridges service gaps and encourages shared responsibility among stakeholders. Their program operates by the acronym, MOST – Motivation to Succeed, Openness and Mutual Respect, Support for Team Goals, and Trust in Each Other.

The Vermont Core Transition Teams and Workforce Collaboration Model expand interagency team membership to college programs, adult learning programs, the Department of Labor, family networks and centers, and other programs working with youth. These programs demonstrate how effective transition planning requires a collaborative approach, leveraged by shared expertise across diverse service sectors.

Bonus Tips:

We invite you to participate in Comprehensive Transition Open Office Hours every Thursday from 2:30 to 4:30 PM Eastern Time. During these sessions, you can speak with subject matter experts in dedicated breakout rooms. CCLC staff can address inquiries concerning transition portfolios, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Social Security Work Incentives, Vocational Rehabilitation, and other transition-related topics. To join, use the Zoom link.

The second session of the Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) kicks off in Batesville on Friday, October 25. Help us spread the word! Share this free learning opportunity with families, students, and colleagues. To register for this and other events, visit the CCLC FEAT webpage.