Family and Parent Resources
Your Role as a Family Member or Caregiver
Families, caregivers and adult mentors or guardian's play a key role in the success of young adults. This is true for the high school years, and it continues to be the case as their children transition to the postsecondary environment.
The role of parents changes when their child transitions to the postsecondary setting. As a parent, you will no longer be involved in every decision concerning your child’s education. In addition to developing valuable life skills, your young person will have an opportunity to experience greater independence, meet new people, explore their interests, and increase their understanding of the world. Sometimes, students must be given the opportunity to fail and learn from these failures. At other times, the student needs that opportunity to shine. Your continued support and encouragement will help your son or daughter find success in the midst of transition.
Many topics should be considered in family discussions to assist in the transition process and to determine skills that need to be developed before your child attends college. During high school, the tendency is to focus on academic requirements for college admission.
However, it is just as important that college students are prepared emotionally and socially and have developed competent life skills in order to be a successful college student.
Family conversation topics are detailed in these sections.
Family Roles in Postsecondary Planning Checklist
Family conversation topics are crucial in helping you identify your child's needs. This planning checklist outlines several topics for planning and discussion. Make a note of the areas of need for your student.
General Support & Transition Awareness
- Understand that your role shifts from decision-maker to supporter.
- Encourage independence, resilience, and self-advocacy.
- Discuss emotional, social, and life skill readiness—not just academics.
- Support your child through both successes and failures.
Data Privacy
- Discuss with your child the importance of privacy and data rights.
- Understand that access to student records requires student consent.
- Encourage your child to take ownership of their educational communication.
Disability Disclosure & Documentation
- Talk about the importance of disclosing disabilities early.
- Ensure your child understands their rights and responsibilities post-IEP/504.
- Help gather necessary documentation:
- Diagnosis from a qualified professional.
- Description of functional limitations.
- Recommendations for accommodations.
- Discuss the cost and responsibility of obtaining updated evaluations.
VRS, SSI, and Mental Health Services Checklist for Parents
Understanding Support Services
- Have you discussed postsecondary support services with your child’s case manager?
- Do you know if your child qualifies for:
- Social Security Income (SSI)?
- Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS)?
Mental Health Continuity
- If your child uses mental health services, have you explored how these will continue at college?
- Have you checked whether the college offers clinical therapy services?
- If not, has your child’s current provider suggested professionals near the college?
Application & Planning
- Understand that SSI and VRS require formal applications.
- Begin the application process early to avoid delays in support.
- Ensure your child knows how to access these services independently.
Accommodations vs. Modifications
- Clarify the difference between high school modifications and college accommodations.
- Prepare your child for fewer course modifications.
- Encourage starting with a lighter course load, only if needed. (Build confidence!)
Services Not Provided by Disability Offices
- Understand what colleges are not required to provide:
- Personal devices (e.g., wheelchairs, glasses).
- Personal services (e.g., tutoring, transportation).
- Modifications that alter course/program standards.
Academic Standards & Technical Requirements
- Ensure your child understands they must meet academic and conduct standards.
- Discuss “otherwise qualified” status and its implications.
- Review any technical standards required for specific programs.
Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO)
- If applicable, meet with PSEO admissions and disability services.
- Understand the division of responsibilities between college and school district.
- Explore auxiliary services available through the school district.
Additional Resources
Visit: Parent Involvement and Support in Postsecondary Education
Understanding the College Board Resources Pay for College.
ASVAB Career Resource for Parents Guide for Career Guidance.
Helping Your Student Prepare for the Big Shift: High School vs. College
The transition from high school to college is a major step, and it can feel even bigger than the move from elementary to high school. For many students, its the first time they're expected to fully manage their own learning, schedules, and support services. This shift can be exciting and empowering, but also confusing without guidance.
As a parent, guardian, or caregiver, it helps to understand just how different college life is from high school. Students will make more decisions on their own and be held accountable for their choices. Instructors expect independence, and many of the legal rights that parents held in K12 education, such as access to academic records will no longer apply once a student enters college.
To support this adjustment, we've included a side-by-side comparison that outlines the key differences in academic expectations, support services, communication, and student responsibilities. These insights are based on information compiled by the Minnesota Association for Developmental Education and will help you guide your student with realistic expectations and tools for success.
High School vs. College Rules: What Changes?
This comparison helps families and students understand how expectations and supports shift when moving from high school to college. It's essential for planning a successful transition to adult learning environments.
| Topic | High School | College |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Law | IDEA and Section 504 | ADA and Section 504 |
| Eligibility | School identifies and supports students | Students must self-identify and request support |
| Educational Plan | IEP or 504 Plan is developed by school team | No IEP; students provide documentation for accommodations |
| Parental Role | Parents have legal access to records and meetings | Students control access to records; parental involvement requires permission |
| Support Services | Integrated into classes, automatically delivered | Must be requested; not automatic |
| Class Environment | Smaller classes, more teacher guidance | Larger classes, more independent learning |
| Instruction | Teachers often adjust assignments | Professors expect all students to meet the same course standards |
| Homework & Tests | Frequent homework and quizzes, reminders provided | Fewer assignments, less frequent reminders and students manage time |
| Attendance | Mandatory and tracked | Often not tracked; attendance is student’s responsibility |
| Accommodations | Provided once eligibility is determined | Must be formally requested by the student |
| Self-Advocacy | Adults often advocate for the student | Student is expected to advocate for themselves |
| Transportation | Usually provided by the school district | Student is responsible for arranging transportation |
| Disciplinary Action | Parents are contacted; schools intervene early | Students handle violations independently, per campus policies |
Planning for a Loved One with a Disability: A Parent-Created Resource
Families supporting individuals with disabilities often face complex questions about the future. What services will be available when school ends? How can we prepare legally and financially for adulthood? Where do we even begin?
One valuable resource that answers these questions—and more—is The Special Needs Plan, developed by Brian Johnson of Clarity Consulting. Johnson, a financial advisor and parent of a child with disabilities, created this tool to guide families through every stage of life, from early childhood to adulthood and retirement.
This step-by-step planning guide is especially useful because it is:
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Parent-centered: Written with lived experience in mind.
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Structured for clarity: Offers a clear, simplified planning process.
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Actionable: Helps families break the process into manageable steps.
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Inclusive of transition planning: Addresses education, employment, housing, and long-term financial needs.
Whether you're planning for college, exploring housing options, or preparing for adulthood, The Special Needs Plan offers peace of mind through organization and clear direction.
Visit The Special Needs Plan to explore the full guide.
Used with permission from Brian Johnson, Clarity Consulting. Source: TheSpecialNeedsPlan.com