IEP Transition Checklist
Select your state to see which special education services remain available, then work through each step, from requesting records to arranging replacement services.
Withdrawing from school and revoking consent for special education services are different steps. Revoking consent ends the district's special education services for your child (34 CFR 300.300(b)(4)).
Before withdrawal
Request complete IEP records
Get copies of everything before you withdraw. This is easier while you are still enrolled.
Request in writing: the current IEP, all evaluations (psychological, educational, speech/language, OT, PT), progress reports, the eligibility determination, and any behavior intervention plans.
Request an IEP transition meeting
Ask the school for a meeting to discuss the transition and understand your options.
Use the meeting to review your child's current services and records, and get anything agreed in writing. Your state's options are listed at the top of this checklist.
Get current evaluations done while enrolled
If a reevaluation is due soon, request it while your child is still enrolled.
IDEA requires a reevaluation at least once every three years unless you and the school agree it is not needed (34 CFR 300.303). If one is due within the next year, request it now.
List all current services and providers
Make a complete inventory of every service your child receives.
For each service, note: what it is (speech therapy, OT, etc.), how often (2x/week, 30 min), who provides it, and what goals it addresses. This becomes your replacement planning checklist.
Research replacement options for each service
For each service, identify how you will provide it after withdrawal.
Options for each service: (1) through the school, if your state offers a route (listed at the top of this checklist), (2) a private provider covered by insurance, (3) Medicaid, if your child is enrolled, (4) ESA or scholarship funding where your state has a program, (5) telehealth.
Check insurance and Medicaid coverage
Your child's therapies may be covered regardless of school enrollment.
Private insurance: check whether speech therapy, OT, PT and ABA are covered under your plan. Medicaid: for enrolled children under 21, the EPSDT benefit covers necessary health care, diagnostic services and treatment to correct or ameliorate conditions found in screening (42 U.S.C. 1396d(r)(5)).
The withdrawal
File your homeschool notification (if required by your state)
Some states require a notice before or when you withdraw.
Your HomeschoolLeap plan shows whether your state requires a notice, when it is due, and prepares it for you.
Send the withdrawal letter
Formally withdraw your child from school.
Send by certified mail and keep the return receipt. Follow up to confirm the school coded your child as 'withdrawn' or 'transferred,' not 'absent.' Use the HomeschoolLeap wizard to generate your withdrawal letter.
After withdrawal
Arrange replacement services
Set up private providers for any services not continuing through the school.
For each service that is not continuing: choose a provider, confirm insurance coverage, schedule an intake, and set a regular schedule. Try not to leave a gap in services.
Establish a baseline
Document your child's current levels at the start of homeschooling.
Use the most recent IEP present levels as your baseline. Note current reading level, math level, communication skills, and any behavioral goals. This helps you track progress and provides evidence if you ever need to re-enroll or request re-evaluation.
Ongoing
Monitor and document progress
Track your child's progress on the goals that were in the IEP.
You do not need to follow the IEP formally, but tracking progress on similar goals helps you (1) know if your approach is working, (2) adjust services as needed, and (3) demonstrate progress if you ever need to re-enroll or re-evaluate. Use the activity log and portfolio tools to document progress.
Know your re-evaluation rights
You can request a Child Find evaluation from the school district at any time.
Under IDEA, states must identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities residing in the state, including children attending private schools (34 CFR 300.111). You can request an evaluation at any time.