Life is full of transitions, and one of the more remarkable ones occurs when we get ready to leave high school and go out in the world as young adults.
When the student has a disability, it’s especially helpful to plan ahead for that transition. As a matter of fact the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires it. Transition services are intended to prepare students to move from the world of school to the world of adulthood.
STELLAR Project
STELLAR (Supporting Transition to Engaged Lives by Linking Agency Resources) Project is here to help youth with disabilities, ages 14-26, and their families navigate the journey to adulthood. The goal is to provide the information, training, and support needed to successfully transitions from high to adult life.
What We Offer:
Statewide Region Transition Networks (RTNs): These networks will:
- Develop strategic action plans to address the training and information needs of youth with disabilities and their families, especially those who have been unserved or underserved.
- Collaborate with school districts, service providers, state agencies, employers and others to create partnerships to work strategically to elimate the barriers for youth with disabilities and their families transitioning from high school to adult life.
- Disseminate information and resources on all key aspects of transitioning to adult life, reaching youth, families, service providers, school districts, and community members across the state.
Transition Mentors: Available statewide, these mentors provide direct assistance to youth with disabilities and their families, offering guidance on transition issues and available services.
We believe in empowering families and young individuals with disabilities to engage more effectively with professionals, ensuring that their vocational, independent living, and rehabilitation needs are met. Join us in making the transition to adulthood a smooth and successful experience for all. Join an RTN or contact us to support establishing one in your area.
For more information about STELLAR or transitioning to adulthood, place contact 800-743-7634 or info@missouriparentsact.org
Transition Services & Tips
Transition tips and services focus on individuals with disabilities who are transitioning out of school and into adulthood. While there are services and resources available, they will vary depending on the needs of the individual.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) are services provided to Missouri public school students with disabilities, ages 16-21, who may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. These services are provided by MU College of Education and they are provided at no cost. This program is designed to increase successful post-school outcomes for students and to make a difference for students with disabilities at an earlier age by helping with coordination, communicate and collaboration.
For more resources, visit
https://education.missouri.edu/outreach/pre-employment-transition-services/
Transition IEP
Graduation Requirements
Graduation Handbook
- Describes what is needed to graduate from a Missouri public school
- Offers different ways to earn credit
- Outlines what school districts need to do to support students in earning their diploma
- Lists the minimum number and type of credits needed.
Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP)
The ICAP assures that the student Increases their knowledge of opportunities after high school that include including technical schools, college and what is needed to pursue a certain path. It records the tests and evaluations used to support the student in identifying their strengths, weaknesses, interests, abilities, and values. Students with IEPs and their parents continuously review and make changes to ICAPs to assure that students are on-target for transition and graduation, and that the student’s unique goals for life after high school are at the heart of the ICAP.
Earning Credit Beyond the Traditional Classroom
Typically, high school credits are defined as seat time by something called a Carnegie Unit. But there are other nontraditional methods for earning credit by providing unique opportunities for students to get a head start on applying academics to postsecondary goals. School districts may seek to award credit through other ways besides time-fixed terms, semesters, or school years. Possibilities may include awarding credit based on demonstration of the knowledge, skills and competencies deemed equivalent to that which would be gained in a traditional class setting. Alternate ways for earning high school credit can include virtual education, off-campus programs, proficiency credit, and embedded credit.
Resource Downloads
- IEP Evaluation Timelines [ENGLISH] [SPANISH]
- Homebound FAQ [ENGLISH]
- IEE Independent Education Evaluation Fact Sheet [ENGLISH] [SPANISH]
- IEP Components [ENGLISH] [SPANISH]
- IEP Follow-Up [ENGLISH]
- Initial Evaluation [ENGLISH]
- Missouri Alternative Assessment Decision Making Checklist & Guidance Document [ENGLISH]
- Reviewing Your Child’s PLAAFP [ENGLISH]
- Developmental Achievement Chart [ENGLISH] [SPANISH]
- Virtual IEP Meeting Tip Sheet [LINK]
Regional Transition Networks Events
Nevada Youth Life Camp: Innovate Your Future
🌟 Youth Life Camp: Innovate Your Future
Hosted by the Nevada RTN — a day of learning, fun, and resources for youth (ages 14–26) with disabilities.
📅 October 22, 2025
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Elks Lodge Bingo Hall, Nevada, MO
📌 Schedule Highlights:
10:00 – Registration & Vendor Hour
11:30 – Lunch & Advocacy Training
12:00 – The Game of LIFE
1:30 – Vendor Giveaways
St. Joseph Transition Skills Day: My First Job
🚀 My First Job – A Transition Skills Day
Students and young adults (ages 14–26), get ready to build the skills you’ll need for the workplace!
📅 November 4, 2025
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Missouri Western State University, St. Joseph, MO
Topics include:
✔️ Careers That Click
✔️ Dress for Success
✔️ Workplace Accommodations
✔️ Job Skills Jenga & more!
- Network with families, employees, and community resources.
- Learn about individuals with disabilities who are successfully employed
- Connect with service providers to help you find and keep a job
- Learn about Outside-the-box employment possibilities
- Success stories
- Family/parent role in supporting employment
Who Should Attend:Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) is FREE and open to Missouri families, transition-age students and young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.Part 1: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- A New Path: Exploring “Outside the Box Job Possibilities”
- Individualizing Employment Possibilities: Transition to Adulthood and the IEP
- Supports Available for Employees and Employers
- Stories of Employment Success
Part 2: Friday, November 21st, 2025 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Maintaining Employment: Resources and Medicaid
- Working and Maintaining Needed Benefits
- State and Local Agencies and Resources Panel
- Network with families, employees, and community resources.
- Learn about individuals with disabilities who are successfully employed
- Connect with service providers to help you find and keep a job
- Learn about Outside-the-box employment possibilities
- Success stories
- Family/parent role in supporting employment
Who Should Attend:Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) is FREE and open to Missouri families, transition-age students and young adults with disabilities, and the professionals who support them.Part 1: Saturday, November 15th, 2025 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- A New Path: Exploring “Outside the Box Job Possibilities”
- Individualizing Employment Possibilities: Transition to Adulthood and the IEP
- Supports Available for Employees and Employers
- Stories of Employment Success
Part 2: Friday, November 21st, 2025 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Maintaining Employment: Resources and Medicaid
- Working and Maintaining Needed Benefits
- State and Local Agencies and Resources Panel
