Transition Learning Groups for Parents Parent Mentors: Cyndi White Jackie McNair Barrow County Gwinnett County

Objectives for Today Identify Parent Items on the Transition Plan Identify 4 Benefits for hosting a Transition Learning Group for Parents of Students with Intellectual Disabilities &/or Autism Identify 4 Types of Speakers for the TLG

Why Host Transition Learning Groups? Last Year of High School, Parents Panic They realize no “system” will “pick up” their student. 1. What will my young adult do during the day? 2. Who will help her/him find a job? 3. What about a social life? 4. What have other parents done? 5. What will it cost me?

Transition Learning Group Parent Mentors in Gwinnett, Anne Ladd & Jackie McNair Guide Parents through Life After High School Opportunities Tools: – Letter of Intent – All About Me Worksheet – Guest Speakers – Transition Event (Expo or Fair) – Student’s Transition Plan – About My Child – Transition Checklist

Logistics of TLG Plan times & locations that Parents can attend easily with the Transition Fair in the Middle of the Schedule Invite Speakers that have successful transition stories to share. Invite Parents of Students in your target group.

TLG Activity: Dreams for Future Welcome & Introductions Goals of Transition Learning Group Participation Agreement Hopes/Dreams/Fears Exercise Parent Speakers Letter of Intent Homework

TLG Activity: Transition Maze Review Dreams Check on Homework Read Aloud Fear Notes Walk Parents through the Options of Transition by Power Point Presentation Assist Parents in Choosing Classes to attend at the Fair/Expo

Expo & Conference Planning Exhibitors Included: Recreation Colleges Vocation Rehabilitation Therapies MicroBoards Microbusinesses Support Groups Independent Living Medical Resources DBHDD PS Inclusive Education Conference Included: Panels on Work, Independent Living, & College Wills, Trusts, & Guardianship Technology Positive Behavior Support Person Centered Planning Employment Career Pathways

TLG Activity 3: Using Our Knowledge Review Expo & Transition Fair Speaker – Local Program for People with DD What are the Next Steps: – For Transition Plan? – For Letter of Intent? – For Gathering more Information? – For Continuing These Relationships & Conversations?

TLG Activity 4: Transition Plan & Checklist Hand out Student’s Transition Plan & Review Parts Hand out Transition Checklist Identify Parent Roles: Post Secondary goals Education/Training PS goals Employment PS goals Independent Living PS based Transition Assessments Agency Rep Invited to IEP Meeting Hand out About My Child Hand out TLG Evaluation

Transition Checklist

Follow Up Based on the answers to the Next Step questions in Activity 3, set up any field trips or additional group meetings. Prior to student’s next IEP, contact parent to see if there are questions to address prior to Transition Plan review. After student’s IEP, ask parent how Transition Plan review was different from previous year.

Vital Behavior Data Checks Each meeting find out if the parent discussed post-secondary options with his/her student. Each meeting find out if the parent did homework to facilitate the discussion with the student.

Today’s Objectives Parent Participation on Transition Plan 1. PS goals Education/Training 2. PS goals Employment 3. PS goals Independent Living 4. PS based Transition Assessments 5. Agency Rep Invited to IEP Meeting

Today’s Objectives Why are Transition Learning Groups Useful? 1. Learn about daytime opportunities 2. Learn ways to access jobs or training 3. Meet parents of other students enables friendships of students to continue past high school 4. Hearing experienced parents/students makes the dream seem possible

Today’s Objectives List 4 Types of Speakers for TLG 1. Parent/Student Continuing Education 2. Parent/Student Working or Volunteering 3. Job Coach or Job Trainer 4. Representative from a Community Program for People with Developmental Disabilities

Transition Learning Groups for Parents Questions? Comments? Cyndi White Jackie McNairParent Mentor Barrow CountyGwinnett County cynthia.white barrow.k12.ga.us gwinnett.k12.ga.us