Transition Planning
Every transition is a chance to reset — for better or worse.
Transitions are the riskiest moments in a child's school career — and the highest-leverage. A well-planned transition into kindergarten, intermediate, high school, or post-secondary can rebuild momentum that took years to lose.
If this sounds familiar…
- Your child is starting kindergarten with known needs.
- Grade 8 → Grade 9 is around the corner and you're worried.
- Your teen is heading to college or university with an IEP profile.
- Your child is changing schools or boards mid-year.
What it looks like in Canadian schools
- Transition planning should be on the IEP for any student with significant supports.
- In Ontario, transition plans are required for students aged 14+ with an identified exceptionality.
- Effective transitions involve sending and receiving teams, parents, and the student.
- Documentation, accommodation continuity, and warm handoffs matter most.
Your rights as a Canadian parent
- You can request a formal transition meeting.
- You can require accommodations be carried over.
- You can request joint meetings with sending and receiving schools.
- Post-secondary disability services exist — and need documentation in advance.
What schools often say — and what it usually means
"We'll figure it out in September."
September is too late. Spring transition planning is standard practice and worth requesting.
How we help
- Build transition plans for any K, HS, or PSE move
- Coordinate sending/receiving school meetings
- Translate the IEP for the new context
- Help your teen develop self-advocacy skills
- Prepare post-secondary disability services packages
Free related playbook
Transition to High School Guide
Common questions
When should we start planning a high school transition?+
By the spring of Grade 8 at the latest — earlier for students with significant needs.
Will my child's IEP carry into university?+
Not automatically. Post-secondary disability services have their own processes — which is why preparation matters.
Still have questions about your child's situation?
A 30-minute strategy call is the fastest way to get clear, Canada-specific next steps from a parent advocate.
Need help with your child's IEP or school supports?
Book a private, no-pressure strategy call. We'll help you map the next steps for your child — and your sanity.