Planning For What's Next - Why Early Transition Planning Matters
- Abbie Cameron
- 4 days ago
- 6 min read
Every part of the IEP is crucial to a child's success, but there is one section in particular that often gets overlooked or skimmed past, even though it can have a huge impact, and that is the transition plan. This section isn’t just for students nearing the end of high school; it can and should be used much earlier to help map out the path ahead. Whether your child is moving from elementary to middle school, or making the big leap to high school, early transition planning gives everyone, your child, their teachers, and support staff, a clearer understanding of what’s needed to support a successful move. The earlier you start these conversations, the better equipped the school will be to help your child step into their new environment with confidence and support.
Why Transition Planning Should Start NOW and Not Later:
It is very easy for us to assume that transition planning should only happen for big changes like graduating grade 8 or 12, or is only necessary when students are officially moving on, but the truth about it is - meaningful transitions, like moving to a new school, gaining independence, or exploring future pathways that much earlier than you think!
By reviewing your child's IEP transition plan early, you are giving yourself and your child the opportunity to share the path forward in a thoughtful way with the best support for them. Not to forget, you are also giving the teacher and staff prepare the appropriate supports for your child!
Starting the transition planning early might look like:
Reviewing the transition plan section of your child’s IEP well in advance of a school change
Reaching out to the school team to share your hopes and goals for your child’s next steps
Asking about opportunities for additional school visits or orientation sessions
Setting up meetings with key staff at the new school, especially resource teachers, guidance counselors, and educational assistants
Discussing sensory needs or environmental accommodations early so they’re ready from day one
Helping your child gradually build familiarity with the new setting through pictures, maps, or walk throughs
Practicing independence and self-advocacy skills at home so they feel more prepared for the changes ahead
That Transition to High School - An Even Bigger Leap!
For most students, but even more for students with disabilities, who are neurodivergent or have unique learning needs, the transition to high school is a major shift and brings immense uncertainty and emotional stress.
You’re looking at new schedules, bigger buildings, more students, more teachers, less structure, and higher expectations. All of this can be extremely overwhelming, and if it’s not planned for intentionally, it can cause heightened anxiety, academic struggles, and a rocky start that sets the tone for the rest of the year.
This is where a strong transition plan becomes essential. A good plan does not just state where the student is headed, it names specific supports, time lines and steps that can ease the shift. We can not stress the importance of specifics on the IEP enough! Vague or general statements can leave too much open to interpretation, which makes it harder to hold the school accountable or ensure your child gets the right support. Clear, detailed language, especially in the transition plan—helps everyone stay on the same page and sets your child up for success.
Making the Transition Feel Safer and Smoother for Your Child
Extra visits at the new school before the year begins will give your child a chance to get familiar with the space, the layout and the general flow of the school without full hallways and the pressure of a busy school day.
The opportunity for you and your child to meet key staff, especially the support staff that will be supporting your child such as EAs, guidance counsellors, social workers, SSWs, SERTS and the principal can make your child feel much more confidence knowing who they can turn to for support from the very first day.
Sensory accommodations should be in place from day one. There’s no reason to wait when it comes to your child’s comfort and ability to regulate If you child needs tools like noise-cancelling headphones, access to quiet spaces, or needs movement breaks, these should be ready and available especially on that very first day, when everything is new and potentially overwhelming.
It can be as simple as going to see where their locker is or where exactly their classes are. This can ease so much anxiety and build confidence for their big transition.
Educator Responsibilities in Transition Planning
According to the Ontario Ministry of Education, here is what you should expect from educators to provide your child for a successful transition to secondary school:
the requirements for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), the Ontario Secondary School Certificate (OSSC), or the Certificate of Accomplishment, where appropriate;
the Ontario Student Transcript (OST);
types of courses offered, and how best to design their personal secondary school program based on their interests, strengths, needs, and aspirations;
specialized programs and board-wide programs, extracurricular activities, and additional support programs;
strategies for completing the community involvement requirement;
the full range of postsecondary opportunities (apprenticeship training, college, community living, university, and the workplace);
the education and career/life planning process and strategies for the effective use of education and career/life planning resources.
Ultimately, the transition plan is a tool to reflect your vision for your child’s growth and success—not just the school's. When you speak up about what matters to your child and family, you help shape a learning journey that is more supportive, more inclusive, and more responsive to their needs.
So pull out that IEP. Flip to the transition section. Ask questions. Start the conversation. It’s never too early to plan for a strong, supported start to whatever’s next.
EVERY IEP should include a section for transition planning. See example below!
Reach out to us! - We know and get how challenging navigating the education system can be, but you are not alone in this!
Need help advocating? Not sure if the accommodations in place are the right fit or what the right next steps are? We have a team of OCTs and Educational Psychologists ready to help support you and your child through every step of the transition process — from reviewing IEPs and identifying appropriate supports, to communicating with schools and ensuring your child's needs are met from day one.
Check out some related posts on our socials!
Related Blogs
Navigating Big Life Transitions (click here)
ADHD and IEP : Creating a Plan That Works (click here)
Inclusion Theatre in Schools - Performative VS Meaningful Change (click here)
Helping Autistic Youth and Youth with Developmental Delays Thrive at School (click here)
Accommodations & Modifications in Ontario Individual Education Plans (IEPs): A Guide for Parents (click here)
Resources
Ontario Ministry of Education - Transition Planning (click here)
Ontario Government Information on Individual Education Plans (click here)
Ontario Government Page on Special Education Policies (click here)
ABC Ontario Gifted IEP Recommendation Resource (click here)
CADDAC IEP Classroom Accommodation list (click here)
Ontario Ministry of Education - Transition Planning (click here)
Sources
Ontario Ministry of Education. (2013). Creating pathways to success: An education and career/life planning program for Ontario schools – Policy and program requirements, kindergarten to Grade 12 (p. 21). Government of Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Education. (n.d.). Transition. In Special education in Ontario: Policy and resource guide (Kindergarten to Grade 12). Government of Ontario.
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IMPORTANT: Information shared by WonderTree is not intended to replace or be constituted as clinical or medical care. It’s intended for educational purposes only. Each child is unique, and the information provided may not be applicable to your specific situation. If you need support, please establish care with a licensed provider so that they can provide tailored recommendations for you or your child. This blog is non-monetized.
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