Arkansas IEP Transition Checklist: Ages 16 to 21

Arkansas mandates that transition planning be in place by the first IEP in effect when a student turns 16. From that point through the end of the school year in which the student turns 21, the IEP team must maintain measurable postsecondary goals, align transition services, and coordinate with external agencies. Keeping track of what needs to happen each year — across the school district, ARS, and DDS simultaneously — is where most families lose the thread.

This checklist maps the critical actions year by year.

Age 15–16: Activate the Transition Plan

• [ ] Confirm that transition planning is added to the IEP agenda before the student's 16th birthday
• [ ] Verify that the IEP team has conducted age-appropriate transition assessments documenting strengths, interests, and career preferences
• [ ] Ensure the IEP contains measurable postsecondary goals in education/training and employment, and in independent living if appropriate
• [ ] Request a Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) referral to connect the student with Arkansas Rehabilitation Services
• [ ] Review the student's course of study to confirm it aligns with postsecondary goals — not just graduation requirements
• [ ] Confirm the student was formally invited to the IEP meeting (federal requirement once transition is on the agenda)

Age 17: Prepare for the Rights Transfer

• [ ] Verify the student and parent have received and signed the mandatory Transfer of Rights notification (required at least one year before the student turns 18)
• [ ] Evaluate decision-making alternatives: supported decision-making, powers of attorney, limited guardianship, or full guardianship
• [ ] If guardianship is being considered, begin the circuit court petition process — it takes months
• [ ] Ensure the ARS transition counselor is participating in IEP meetings and coordinating on Pre-ETS or formal VR application
• [ ] Screen for CES waiver eligibility if the student has an intellectual or developmental disability
• [ ] Update all transition assessments and review postsecondary goal progress

Age 18: Navigate the Legal Transition

• [ ] Understand that all educational decision-making rights transfer to the student at 18, unless a court has appointed a guardian
• [ ] Execute adult student consent forms so the parent can continue attending IEP meetings (the student must invite the parent)
• [ ] Submit the DDS CES waiver application if the student meets clinical eligibility criteria
• [ ] Apply for adult Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if applicable
• [ ] Register for Selective Service and voter registration
• [ ] Document agency invitation consent so ARS and other providers can attend IEP meetings

Age 19–20: Execute the Transition Plan

• [ ] Review annual transition progress against postsecondary goals
• [ ] If the formal VR application has not been submitted, do it now — the 60-day eligibility determination and 90-day IPE development take time
• [ ] Confirm the annual DDS contact update letter has been received and responded to (missing it forfeits the waitlist position)
• [ ] Coordinate with the assigned PASSE care coordinator if the student is enrolled
• [ ] Pursue on-the-job training, supported work placements, or community-based work experiences
• [ ] If the student is on the Alternate Pathway, confirm that functional IEP goals are actively maintained

Age 21: Finalize the Exit

• [ ] Ensure the school compiles and delivers a complete Summary of Performance (SOP) with current diagnostic data
• [ ] Verify that ARS has an active case file and a signed Individual Plan for Employment
• [ ] Confirm CES waiver waitlist status and expected timeline
• [ ] Coordinate the handoff to adult community providers — the school's obligation ends at the close of this school year
• [ ] File all transition documentation in a single location the family can access after the school system's involvement ends

Every item on this list connects to a specific step in the Arkansas IEP Transition to Adulthood Guide, which includes tracking worksheets for each agency, template letters for requesting services, and a documentation organizer that keeps the full transition history in one place.

See more Arkansas guides →