Do you have to stay with the school district until age 22 on the alternative pathway to a diploma, or can you move to Regional Center services?

If your child is obtaining a high school diploma through the alternative pathway to a diploma, then they have until age 22 to complete the graduation requirements. However, what if your child obtains their diploma before age 22? Do they have to stay in the school district's adult transition program, or can they move on to adult services from Regional Center before age 22?

Students exit special education either through a standard diploma or at age 22 with the alternative pathway to diploma/certificate of completion. Undivided advocates say that Regional Center will not fund services when there is a generic resource available, in this case the school district. Parents can choose not to send their child to the school district transition program, but they wouldn’t get additional Regional Center supports because the school is the expected generic resource until age 22.

Keep in mind that if the district's adult transition program is not a good fit for your child, you can work with your IEP team to develop appropriate supports, such as attending a community college class or pursuing an internship. The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) may be able to help coordinate with the school to fund post-secondary education or work opportunities until age 22.