Helping young students explore future careers, lifelong learning and independent living works best when we keep choices simple, clear, and routine. Students at this age are in the Awareness stage of exploring transition. Instruction experiences should build on concrete examples and hands-on learning to build a broader range of understanding of the areas related to transition. This helps younger students to begin to make choices and use self-advocacy skills in low risk situations. Self-advocacy skills are key to successful transition to adulthood.

Starting early and practicing making these decisions often, and in naturally occurring environments, teaches early age transition skills that become a natural habit. The continuum of teaching transition skills prepares students for a lifetime of successful choices and can significantly lower the risk of drop out for high risk students.

Connected to this is early agency partnership. These supports can help families to access services such as Respite Care, Medicaid and Waiver Services to allow for greater access to a wide range of related services.