Find a starting point
Different ages. Connected plans.
Choose a topic to explore. This is a planning tool, not an eligibility test or a placement decision.
Step 1 · Start early
Build the transition team.
Florida’s school transition planning begins at age 12. Use the Individualized Education Program (IEP) to connect learning with adult goals. Invite the student to lead in the way that works for them.
What does the student want life after school to include?
Student, family, school social worker, and IEP/ESE team.
Step 2 · Explore work & learning
Try possibilities before school ends.
Ask Florida Vocational Rehabilitation about student services, including Pre-Employment Transition Services for eligible students ages 14–21. Explore work experience, further learning, transportation, and community activities.
What can we try now, and who will help arrange it?
School transition staff and a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor.
Step 3 · Around age 18
Review benefits and decision support.
SSI uses adult disability rules for an age-18 review. Separately, discuss healthcare, consent, and any help the young adult wants with decisions. These changes do not all happen on the school’s timeline.
Which benefits and permissions need a separate review?
Social Security, the healthcare team, and a qualified legal adviser when needed.
Step 4 · Before the final school day
Make the next week real.
Confirm the individual exit date and diploma arrangements with the school. Map an ordinary week: daytime activities, transport, care, relationships, and backup support. Ask which adult services are actually approved and ready.
Who is responsible for each part of the first week after school?
School team, APD or the waiver support coordinator, and chosen adult-service providers.
Life After School
Watch the video.
Choose a narration language in the player. Translations still being prepared are clearly marked.
Explore the video seriesTake a guide with you
Your next conversation, on one page.
Keep these six questions with you. Download a fillable PDF to type and save private notes, or print a copy for your meeting.
Goals & school
- What matters most to the student after school?
- What is the confirmed school exit date?
Services & daily life
- Which adult services are approved, and which are pending?
- What will daytime activities, care, and transport look like?
Contacts & next steps
- Who will coordinate the school-to-adult handoff?
- When will we review progress and the backup plan?
Kreyòl ayisyen
Your notes stay in your saved file; they are not sent to Excellent Care. Share sensitive records only through the secure process your team provides.
Work, benefits, and the next step
Editorial draft · employment and benefits specialist review pending · Sources checked October 2, 2026.
Compare options on a printed copy; note the person’s goals, questions, contacts, and next step.
- Topic 01
Explore work
Ask the person what work they want to try. APD’s 2017 job-coach brochure describes help with a work plan, résumé, applications, interviews, employer contacts, and transportation coordination. Confirm what a current coach will actually provide.
- Topic 02
Plan daily supports
Plan the route to work, hours, communication, support on the job, and a backup ride before the first day. Ask who to call if the job or support changes.
- Topic 03
Check benefits
Before earnings change, ask a qualified benefits counselor about the person’s actual SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, and reporting situation. Social Security’s Find Help tool identifies providers and benefits-counseling resources; this page cannot predict benefit amounts.
- Topic 04
Explore learning
For school-to-adult planning, browse Project 10 publications with the student and school team. Explore FCSUA’s inclusive college program finder and confirm each program’s current admissions, supports, and costs.
APD job-coach brochure (2017 PDF) · Social Security: Find Help · Project 10 transition publications · FCSUA inclusive college program finder
Trusted information
Go further when you are ready.
Sources checked September 28, 2026. Processes and availability can change; confirm details with the responsible agency or care team.
