Transition Iowa

11/18/2025

It’s essential to be aware of the graduation requirements and policies specific to your district. ✅

While Iowa has state minimums, each district may add additional course requirements, electives, or expectations — so knowing exactly what YOUR district requires is key.

To find your district’s graduation requirements, check your district’s official website or contact your school administration for detailed information.

📅 Take some time within the next week to review these requirements.
Understanding them will help you monitor your child’s progress and ensure they are earning the credits they need to graduate successfully!

11/13/2025

📣 Applications Now Open!

Are you a parent or primary caregiver of an Iowa child or youth ages 3–19 with special health care needs?

The Iowa Family Leadership Training Institute (IFLTI) is now accepting applications for its 2026 cohort! This no-cost training helps families build advocacy skills, strengthen communication with providers and schools, and learn how to influence systems that impact children with special needs.

🟡 What you’ll gain:
✅ Strategies for effective partnerships
✅ New tools for advocacy
✅ Support to complete a Community Service Project
✅ Connections with experienced family leaders

🗓 Training includes virtual and in-person sessions (Ames + Des Moines)
📅 Applications due January 14, 2026

🔗 Apply starting November 12: https://bit.ly/IFLTI26

📞 Questions? Contact the IFLTI team listed on the flyer.

11/11/2025

🎓 Iowa’s Minimum Graduation Requirements
(For ALL Students)

In Iowa, state graduation requirements are often referred to as 4-3-3-3 — or “4 triple 3.”
Here’s what that means:

✅ 4 years of English Language Arts
✅ 3 years of Math
✅ 3 years of Social Studies
✅ 3 years of Science
✅ Completion of the local school district’s Physical Education (P.E.) expectations

📌 IMPORTANT NOTE:
Local school districts can (and often do) add more graduation requirements.

Examples may include:
✅ Specific math courses such as Algebra, Geometry, or Calculus
✅ CPR requirement
✅ Fine arts or foreign language
✅ Additional electives

Always check your district’s specific requirements — they may go beyond the state minimum.

11/04/2025

✨ Putting It All Together ✨

A strong Transition IEP (Individualized Education Program) sets the foundation for student success after high school. Here’s how the process works:

1️⃣ Assessment: The team begins by assessing the student’s strengths and needs in three key areas — Living, Learning, and Working.

2️⃣ Post-Secondary Expectations: Clear expectations are established for what the student wants to achieve after high school.

3️⃣ Identify Gaps: The team looks at the gaps between the student’s current skills and the skills they’ll need to succeed in their post-secondary education (PSE), employment, and independent living.

➡️ From there, goals, services, courses, supports, and activities are developed to bridge those gaps and prepare the student for their future.

💡 Transition planning is a collaborative process that empowers students to reach their post-school dreams.

Learn more and explore resources here:
https://www.transitioniowa.org

10/28/2025

🌟 Post-Secondary Expectations: Examples (Part 3) 🌟

Help your child unlock their potential with clear post-secondary expectations in Living, Learning, and Working. These aren’t just goals—they’re essential pathways to success after high school.

🏡 Living:
- Levi will continue to live at home with his family.
- Emily will live in a waiver home.
- Zachary will live independently in his own apartment.

📚 Learning:

- Levi will participate in day habilitation opportunities.
- Emily will engage in ongoing on-the-job learning opportunities.
- Zachary will attend a two-year program for welding.

💼 Working:
- William will not work in competitive employment.
- Emily will work part-time as a dining aide at the hospital.
- Zachary will work full-time as a welder.

👉 Learn more and explore resources on the Iowa Transition Website:
🔗 https://www.transitioniowa.org

10/24/2025

🎓 New Webinar Available!
“ASK an Expert - 6 Principles of IDEA: Principle #1 Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)” is now ready for viewing!

Join ASK Resource Center for an engaging journey down the road to school—exploring how to design the right “vehicle” for each learner’s unique needs and ensure the right people are on board. 🚗✨

You’ll learn what FAPE stands for, identify what makes an education appropriate, and discover how to apply these principles in real-life situations. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone committed to helping every student reach their destination: growth and development.

▶️ Watch now: https://youtu.be/awEaBShetPw

Join ASK Resource Center’s engaging webinar, presented as a journey down the road to school. Together, we’ll explore how to design the right “vehicle” to fit...

10/24/2025

New Webinar Available: Navigating the ACHIEVE Family Portal!
The ACHIEVE Family Portal is a valuable online tool for Iowa parents and caregivers. It lets you securely access your child’s IFSP or IEP, view progress updates, and stay connected to their educational journey—all in one easy-to-use space.

Join Shannon, Lisa, and Nancy from the Iowa Department of Education as they walk through how to make the most of the portal and share helpful navigation tips!

▶️ Watch the webinar: https://youtu.be/yZC9D1AhjhU

📑 PowerPoint Presentation and all supporting documents can be found in the YouTube Description.

The ACHIEVE Family Portal is a helpful online tool for parents and caregivers in Iowa. It makes it easy to access your child’s Individualized Family Service ...

10/24/2025

It’s National Dyslexia Month! If you’re looking for support after a dyslexia diagnosis, resources are available. The Iowa Dyslexia Handbook offers information on what a formal diagnosis means and what education supports are available. https://tinyurl.com/243kvb4t

10/22/2025

🗣️ Your voice matters!
The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council wants to hear from you.

Take a few minutes to share your thoughts in their 2025 Annual Survey — your feedback helps shape programs, publications, and advocacy priorities that support Iowans with developmental disabilities.

💡 The first 300 people to complete the survey by November 7, 2025 will be entered to win one of three Visa gift cards!

👉 Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/iddc-2025-annual-survey

📞 Need help filling it out? Call 800-452-1936 for assistance.

Please share your thoughts about our events, resources, publications, and more!

10/22/2025

Attention: Wapello County and surrounding areas!

🌟 4th Annual Resource Fair 🌟
📅 October 23rd 🕠 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 Liberty Intermediate

🍕 Pizza, chips, cookies, and drinks will be provided. Join us for an informative and engaging evening connecting with providers and professionals from Wapello County and surrounding areas!

This event is a great opportunity to meet experts one-on-one and learn about a wide range of services and support for individuals with physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities.

Explore resources such as: Guardianship BHIS (Behavioral Health Intervention Services) Vocational Services HCBS Waivers Early Access Child Health Specialty Clinic Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) Behavioral & Mental Health Services Dental & Pediatrics Special Olympics Job Corps …and much more!

Whether you’re seeking support, information, or local resources, this event is for individuals, families, and caregivers alike.

Any questions, please reach out!
Erin Hinebaugh
erin.hinebaugh@ottumwaschools.com
641-680-9197

10/21/2025

✨ Post-Secondary Expectations (PSE) – Part 2 ✨

When creating a PSE (Post-Secondary Expectations), keep these key points in mind:

1️⃣ Keep it short and clear — one sentence is best.
2️⃣ Focus on the student’s vision — what do they want to achieve in the future?
3️⃣ Make it measurable — each expectation should be something you can see and measure.
4️⃣ Get more specific over time — as the student gets older, expectations should become more detailed.

👉 For more resources and guidance, visit the Iowa Transition Website:
🔗 https://www.transitioniowa.org

10/17/2025

Last week, nearly all employees at the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) who oversee the implementation of the federal special education law, called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), received Reduction in Force (RIF) notices. This means their positions are currently scheduled to be completely eliminated on or shortly after December 9th, 2025.

Over the past few days, ASK has heard from many families that they are deeply concerned about the loss of expertise that supports their children’s education. As Iowa’s PTI, we serve as one of the voices of families who rely on OSEP’s guidance and oversight to ensure their children’s rights under IDEA are upheld.

The OSEP staff, many of whom are families of students with disabilities themselves, protect and support children with disabilities, their families, and the states.

ASK wants to make certain that accurate information is shared about the possible effects this RIF could have on ensuring that families, schools, and states receive the services and guidance they need to provide students with disabilities a free, appropriate public education (FAPE).

The IDEA Preservation Coalition is collecting testimonials about this issue. You can provide your testimonial here:
https://forms.gle/Gh4oMoTT7f7eyVR69

If you are concerned about the potential impact of these changes, you can consider signing this petition:
http://bit.ly/IDEASIGN