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Transition Planning Starts Now  Where to Begin in Maryland

Writer: Barbara Sanchez
Barbara Sanchez
Sep 21
1 min read
Transition sign at sunset, symbolizing guiding teens and families through transition planning in Maryland.
If Your Child Is 14 or Turning Soon , read this

Transition planning is where school and adult life meet. In Maryland, IEP teams must start 

formal plans by age 14 (MCOMAR 13A.05.01). 


It’s less about paperwork and more about building vision, services, and self‑determination skills early. 



Parent Tools You Can Use Today




1️⃣ Request a Transition Planning Meeting


Empty meeting room with chairs arranged for parents and teachers, representing a scheduled transition planning meeting.

Email: 


 “I’d like to schedule our first transition discussion before the next IEP to identify post‑school 

goals.”  


Proactive requests start support earlier and impress teams. 



2️⃣ Use the Three Post‑School Domains


Teacher and parents in a conference setting with hands raised, discussing post-school education, employment, and independent living goals.

  • Education/Training — college, certificate, Trade School  

  • Employment — job sampling, supported work  

  • Independent Living — transport, money, safety  


Ask that each domain has a goal and service attached. 



3️⃣ Write Goals Backward from Dream


Close-up of written goal statements on fabric, symbolizing planning future goals by working backward from a long-term dream.

“By age 18, Ava wants to work with animals.”


 → Volunteer at shelter → Pet care course → Job shadow at vet.  


This is person‑centered planning in action. 



4️⃣ Connect with Maryland Agencies Now


Maryland government building columns, representing state agencies that support transition planning services.



5️⃣ Capture Student Voice Every Time


Teen wearing headphones and speaking, capturing student voice to share post-school goals during transition planning.

Have your child record a one‑minute video saying: 


“This is what I want after high school.”


 Play it in the IEP meeting — it changes tone instantly. 



Final Takeaway


Transition planning in Maryland isn’t a senior-year panic, but it’s a slow build toward post-school dreams.


Starting early turns paper plans into possible futures.



References


Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). (2025). Secondary Transition Services Guidance. [https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Special‑Education/transitions.aspx](https://marylandpublicschools.org/programs/Pages/Special‑Education/transitions.aspx)  


LifeCourse Nexus. (2025). Trajectory Worksheet for Transition Youth. [https://www.lifecoursetools.com](https://www.lifecoursetools.com)  


 
 
 

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