Inviting Outside Agencies to IEP Meetings:

The Kansas Special Education Process Handbook states: “For a child with a disability age 14 or older the IEP team will consider the transition services of the child, and the IEP team must determine, to the extent appropriate, any other public agency that must be invited to the IEP meeting because they are likely to be responsible for providing or paying for transition services.  The parents, or a student who is 18 years of age, must provide consent for the school to invite any outside agency who may be providing secondary transition services to the IEP meeting” (K.A.R 91-40-17(g)

For students age 16, or who will turn 16 during the current IEP year, inviting an outside agency must be considered.

Parents or a student who is 18 years of age must provide written consent on the Notice of Meeting for the school to invite outside agency representatives to the IEP team meeting.

Unsure which agency to invite? Click here for a flowchart to help you explore options based on the student’s strengths and needs. 

Community Agency Information:

•  Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): A program under the Kansas Department of Children and Families designed to provide job-exploration counseling, self-advocacy training, workplace readiness skills, comprehensive transition or post-secondary education counseling, and work-based learning experiences (sometimes paid) to help young people prepare for employment and self-reliance. Students are usually referred while in high school (Ages 14-21). The Pre-ETS counselor can help the student transition to services with Vocational Rehabilitation as appropriate.  

• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR): A program under the Kansas Department of Children and Families designed to help students with disabilities secure and maintain employment. VR counselors work with students on making informed choices about services that will assist them in achieving a vocational goal and works with each student to develop an Individualized Plan for Employment which identifies who will provide and fund services to support the student's journey to employment. 

• Supports & Training for Employing People Successfully (STEPS): Supports and Training for Employing People Successfully (STEPS) is a program through which people with disabilities and/or behavioral health conditions may seek a path to employment without jeopardizing their Social Security benefits or losing medical insurance coverage. STEPS services and supports can include: Working Healthy Benefits Specialists, Pre-vocational skills training, Independent living skills training, transportation, employment supports, and personal assistance services.

• College Office of Disabilities: Representatives from the office of disabilities at the community college/technical college/university the student is interested in attending can help students understand the process for applying for accommodations in postsecondary education. The student must initiate contact and provide appropriate documentation of a disability to the postsecondart institution to be determined eligible for services and accommodations.

• WSU Tech: WSU Tech is a 2-year community college with an emphasis on career technical education. With the Jump-Start Program, high school students can get a head start on a college degree or a career with tuition-free or reduced-cost classes from WSU Tech. WSU Tech does a good job of recognizing that traditional methods, programs, and services are not always appropriate or sufficient to accommodate limitations experienced by some qualified persons with disabilities.

• CPRF Job Placement Department: The Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation (CPRF) Job Placement Department guides people with disabilities (and others with vocational barriers) to the right position, offering Job Preparation, Community Based Work Assessment, Community based Job Tryout, and Job Placements.

• Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas: The Workforce Centers of South Central Kansas are a one-stop resource for job seekers and employers. This agency offers employment program for youth and would be helpful for high school students seeking employment while in high school or planning to enter the workforce directly after graduation. At the Workforce Centers, job-seekers will find the tools and training needed to build successful careers, and employers will find help with their hiring, training, or human resources needs. Because many local, state, and federal organizations help provide these valuable services, most are available free of charge. 

• Job Corps: At Job Corps, students have access to free room and board while they learn skills in specific training areas for up to three years. In addition to helping students complete their education, obtain career technical skills and gain employment, Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment,  housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps graduates either enter the workforce or an apprenticeship,  go on to higher education, or join the military. There are many other monetary incentives that go along with the qualification and completion of programs.

• Targeted Case Management (TCM) Agencies: If a student has a targeted case manager (TCM), the IEP manager should ask parents for consent to invite the TCM to IEP Team meetings. The TCM helps the family and student navigate the process for community services during and after high school as well as the process for adult services. 

• Sedgwick County Developmental Disability Organization (SCDDO): The SCDDO serves people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with functional limitations in multiple areas of life. Individuals must complete the application and intake process to determine if they qualify for funding and services. Services available depend on eligibility and include assistive services, financial support, day supports, supported employment, residential supports, personal assistant services, sleep cycle support, supportive home care, and wellness monitoring.  Eligibility allows clients to access a targeted case manager who will help identify resources in the community and determine if there are sources of financial support for the individual. 

• Breakthrough Club: Breakthrough Clubhouse is a social and vocational program that reduces isolation for those living with severe and persistent mental illness and provides support for their independence. Eligible participants will have a diagnosed mental health disorder from a Psychiatrist, Therapist, or Family Doctor. Once you become a member, you are always a member. As a member of the clubhouse, you have a community of individuals who understand the difficulties you face and push you to try new challenges and work toward your goals.