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Charter SELPA

Special Education Local Plan Area

Age Considerations

In California, transition planning for students with disabilities involves several key age considerations to ensure they receive the necessary support for post-school success:


  • Age 14 or Younger (Starting July 1, 2025, per AB 438): IEP teams must consider beginning transition planning in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) by the start of high school (or younger if appropriate). This lowers the previous requirement of starting at age 16, allowing for earlier discussions on postsecondary goals and transition services.
  • Age 16 (Current Requirement under IDEA and CA Education Code § 56345): While schools must consider transition planning earlier if appropriate, transition services must be included in the IEP beginning at age 16. This includes measurable postsecondary goals related to education, employment, and independent living, as well as services to help students reach those goals.
  • Age 18 (Transfer of Rights): At age 18, students are legally recognized as adults, and educational decision-making rights transfer from the parent/guardian to the student unless they have been deemed legally unable to make these decisions. Schools must inform students and parents of this transfer of rights at least one year before the student turns 18.
  • Up to Age 22: Students with disabilities in California are eligible for special education services until they turn 22 if they have not yet earned a high school diploma or reached their educational goals. Additionally, students who earn a high school diploma via the alternative pathway to a diploma are eligible for transition services until age 22.
    • If the student becomes age 22 between January and June, inclusive, while participating in a program, the student may continue participation for the remainder of that fiscal year, including any extended school year (ESY) program.
    • If the student becomes age 22 in July, August or September, then they cannot begin a new fiscal year in the program. However, if the student is in a year-round program and is completing their IEP in a term that extends into the next fiscal year, they may complete that term.
    • If the student becomes age 22 in October, November or December, their program is terminated on December 31 of the current fiscal year unless the student would otherwise complete their IEP at the end of that fiscal year.