Actions families and students can take to build a transition plan that puts youth on the path to the future they want after high school.

Things to know in 9th grade

• All high school freshmen are required to take a career interest assessment.
• The course of study in your student’s IEP should be reviewed and updated annually.
• Students with disabilities can stay in school until age 22. Plan out their accumulated credits according to the age you want them to graduate high school.

Things to DO in 9th grade

• Get the results of your student‘s career interest assessment and discuss it. Were the results accurate?
• Watch our video, Letting Students Drive the IEP Process, and encourage yours to participate in at least part of each 504/IEP meeting so they have a voice and are actively planning for their future.
• If your child has an IEP, visit PIC’s Life After High School Resources page and get a copy of PIC‘s award-winning transition toolkit.

Things to ASK in 9th grade

• How can the IEP team use your child‘s career interest assessment results to inform their course of study?
• What work-based learning opportunities, such as job shadowing, career fairs, CTE summer camps, and career exploration classes, are available at your child‘s high school?
• Ask about Pre-Employment Transition Services provided by Vocational Rehabilitation NH (VRNH) to explore and prepare for the world of work by contacting 603-271-3471 and watch this video about the program.

Things to know in 10th grade

• Measurable post-secondary goals are required for students 16+ with IEPs. They don’t have to be specific now, so use this time to align student interests with classes and opportunities to refine these goals over the next two years.

• As students discover their interests and strengths, their plans for the future could change a lot. Don’t worry – each experience will better inform their decisions about life after high school.

Things to DO in 10th grade

Things to ASK in 10th grade

• How will measurable post-secondary goals be determined, and what classes and career-connected experiences could be aligned with these goals?
• Is your student on track to accumulate the credits they need to graduate? Ask this every year.
• How can you, your student, and the IEP team collaborate to develop self-advocacy goals to support your child‘s success in Extended Learning Opportunities, Career and Technical Education programs, internships, or other school-to-career programs?
• Ask how your child can be referred for Vocational Rehabilitation (VRNH) services.

Things to know in 11th grade

• When your child turns 17, their IEP team will discuss reaching the age of majority, which gives students more rights and responsibilities regarding their special education experience.
• VRNH funds various programs for your child to explore the world of work and careers.
• Watch this video about Major Choice, an online, mentor-led self and career exploration experience.

Things to DO in 11th grade

• Discuss with your child and their team what level of involvement you might have when your child reaches the age of majority.
• If your child is considering college, research colleges and their disability support services.
• Enroll your child in the Major Choice program as early as possible to make the most of their junior year and get clarity on the next steps they should take.

Things to ASK in 11th grade

• Ask your IEP case manager to invite VRNH to be a part of the IEP team if they still need to be included.
• The Early College Program lets students earn high school AND college credit through community college courses. What college-level classes would be good for your child to explore?
• Your child can demonstrate their skills and knowledge in more ways than just grades and tests! What certifications or industry-recognized credentials are offered at their high school that match their interests and future goals?

Things to know in 12th grade

• Is your child still unsure about what they want to do after high school, or are they looking to feel more confident about their path to the future? The Major Choice program is available to seniors, and they can work directly with a mentor to learn more about themselves and the careers they are interested in.
• Apprenticeship NH offers high-quality Registered Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in leading industries throughout the state.

Things to DO in 12th grade

• Have the IEP team discuss the need for assistance in filing out the FASFA application to explore financial support for post-secondary education.
• Complete an application for VRNH services before leaving high school.
• Talk with your child about disability disclosure on college and work applications. Call PIC for resources on this at 603-224-7005.

Things to ASK in 12th grade

• How is the school preparing my child for post-secondary career opportunities, and how are these plans integrated into their IEP this year?
• Should my child be re-evaluated so they have the most recent evaluations before leaving high school and moving on to college or employment?
• Ask your school for a copy of your child‘s special education Summary of Performance document to use for future education and employment opportunities.

Why Roadmap to the Future?

Did you know that NH students in career-connected learning experiences are more hopeful about their future and more engaged at school, according to a recent Gallup Poll? The poll also shows that the more career-related experiences students have, the higher their hope and engagement scores become.

Roadmap to the Future is a collaboration between The Parent Information Center, Vocational Rehabilitation NH, and Major Choice Pathfinding Program to help families with students on IEPs and 504s navigate the special education process during high school, explore career-connected learning opportunities, and create a meaningful and informative transition experience.

About VR New Hampshire: VR New Hampshire is an employment program for individuals who experience a disability. We empower students with disabilities to explore their interests, discover their strengths, and pursue and achieve their employment aspirations. Services begin in high school and can continue throughout one’s career. Our counselors help students with disabilities think about what they will do, plan for the future, and prepare for careers that match once they leave high school.

About Major Choice: The Major Choice Pathfinding™ Program is a life-changing opportunity for students with disabilities to take control of their future and discover their true potential. The program provides a Mentor-Supported approach to guide students through a structured, step-by-step process toward a fulfilling and purposeful life. The 6-10 week journey focuses on self-exploration, career exploration, and experiential learning, while equipping students with critical life skills necessary for success. Results help define goals, values, and aspirations and outline their first steps toward realizing their dreams.