Preparing Students for Life After High School

North Stonington Public Schools is committed to helping students with disabilities prepare for successful adult lives. Transition planning is an individualized process that helps students identify their goals and develop the skills needed for life after high school.

Every student's transition plan is unique and is based on their strengths, interests, preferences, and future goals.

       What Are Transition Services?

Transition services are a coordinated set of activities designed to prepare students for life after high school. Depending on a student's individual needs, transition planning may focus on:

 

• Postsecondary education and training

• Employment and career readiness

• Independent living skills

• Community participation

• Self-advocacy and self-determination

• Daily living and functional life skills, when appropriate

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Transition services are individualized and may look different for every student.

       How Does Transition Planning Work?

Transition planning is incorporated into a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and is reviewed annually by the Planning and Placement Team (PPT).

The transition planning process may include:

 

• Identifying postsecondary goals

• Transition assessments

• Career exploration

• Community experiences

• Coordination with outside agencies, when appropriate

• Planning for employment, education, and independent living

• Student participation in planning for their future

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Families are important members of the transition planning process and are encouraged to actively participate in developing goals and identifying supports.

       Individualized Planning

North Stonington Public Schools recognizes that every student's path after high school is different. Transition services are designed to meet each student's unique needs and may include collaboration with outside agencies, community partners, vocational programs, colleges, or other adult service providers when appropriate.

When a student requires a specialized transition program that cannot be provided within the district, the Planning and Placement Team (PPT) will work collaboratively with families to determine the most appropriate services and supports based on the student's individual needs.

       Transition Services Contact

Natasha Zannelli
Transition Coordinator & Specialized Instructional Coach       Email: zannellin@nostoschools.org

Natasha can assist families with:

 

• Transition planning

• Postsecondary education and training

• Employment and career readiness

• Community agency coordination

• Adult service referrals

• Transition assessments

• Family questions regarding transition services

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Key Links:

 

• Connecticut Bureau of Rehabilitation Services

• Level Up Connecticut

• Connecticut Department of Developmental Services

• Connecticut transition resources