Bear Creek Elementary School

Transition services are offered to parents and students to help students transfer from high school into the “real world”. By providing resources and information, GCISD strives to ensure a smooth transition for the student from school to adult living.

Transition services include a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that

• is designed to be within a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child’s movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation.
• is based on the individual child’s needs, taking into account the child’s strengths, preferences and interests, and
• includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.

When are transition services addressed by GCISD?

Transition services should be addressed at the annual ARD meeting beginning in 7th Grade.

Is it too early to think about transition when the student is in elementary school?

No, many lifelong skills can begin to be taught in the elementary school years. This is also a good time to explore the post high school options and services available in the community.

• Teach the child to set daily goals.
• Assign your child chores in the home; start to develop their work ethic
• Teach your child daily living skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry to help them become as independent as possible.
• Teach the child to be aware of their behavior and how it affects others.
• Teach self-management skills.
• Teach the student how to ask for help.
• Allow the student to make mistakes in order for him/her to learn (use it as a teachable moment).
• Teach the child to identify their own disability
• Teach the child how their disability affects their learning.
• Help the child to start setting personal long term goals.
• Help the child to identify and understand necessary accommodations and modifications.
• Investigate agencies that may provide support for your child now or in the future
• Add your child to the Medicaid Waiver Interest Lists if they have any significant developmental delays.

Are there resources available elsewhere?

Yes, there are many agencies that can assist students with disabilities. Some have very long waiting/interest lists (up to 15 years) and eligibility is not determined by agencies until the student reaches the top of their list. So apply now!

Please click on the following links for more information:

1. What is Medicaid?
2. What are Medicaid Waivers?
3. What is Guardianship and Alternatives to Guardianship? English Spanish
4. What is the Mental Health Mental Retardation of Tarrant County (MHMRTC)?
5. What is the Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS)?
6. What is 2-1-1 for assistance?
7. What is Supplemental Security Income?
8. Can I work and receive Medicaid?
9. Can I get help with my disability at college?
10. Spanish Assistance Directory
11. Government Agencies
12. Support Organization Websites
13. College Bound Students
14. Employment or vocational training websites
15. Activities and Summer Camps
16. Can I work and still receive SSI or SSDI and Medicaid?
17. What work incentives are there while receiving SSI or SSDI?
18. Who can help me figure out how much I earn without losing my SSI, SSDI or Medicaid?
19. The ARC explains Texas Medicaid Waivers for Students with I/DD.
20. Texas Transition and Employment Guide