Begin With the End in Mind

There is a widespread misconception that transition planning and programming begin in high school. However, there are many opportunities for teachers to infuse transition-focused education into teaching and learning activities for their elementary grade students. This article provides justification for engaging students with disabilities and their families in discussions about the child’s future throughout the elementary school years. Strategies for integrating instruction related to self-determination and career awareness, as well as increasing parental knowledge about the longitudinal nature of transition planning and service are presented.