Transition Planning Housing Options for Special Education Families: Where Will I Live?, Ages 14 to 21

A special education transition planning worksheet on housing: seven common living options after high school, laid out as a ladder families can talk through.

"Where will my child live after high school?" is one of the biggest questions families bring to transition planning. This simple ladder lays out seven common living options, from a home with 24 hour staff to a place of their own, so families can talk about it calmly and plan the next step.

**What's included (6 page printable PDF):**

• Start Here page with a 5 minute quick start

• The "Where Will I Live?" Ladder: 7 rungs (group home with 24 hour staff, shared living/host home, supported living, family home plus in home help, apartment with drop in staff, own place with light supports, fully independent) with "often fits someone who..." notes

• Family Discussion Sheet: where I live now, what I want, an 8 skill home skills check (Yes / With help / Not yet), and next steps

• Thank you page and terms of use

**Use it in 5 minutes:** read the ladder together, let the young adult answer the discussion sheet first (words, pictures, pointing, or AAC), and pick one skill to practice this month.

Plain language for families and students. What is offered and who pays differs by state, and the sheet reminds families to ask about waiting lists early.

**Who it is for:** high school special education teachers, case managers, transition coordinators, 18,21 programs, and families of students with disabilities. Works in any U.S. state: you fill in your own local offices.

**For transition teams:** see the Transition Starter Bundle (FAQs + Interest Inventory + Vocational IEP Goal Bank) and the Transition Assessment Mega Pack . Free to try: the Transition Planning Checklist and the Student Led IEP Meeting Script .

Educational resource only, not legal or benefits advice. Programs, names, and rules differ by state; check with your local offices. No real student information is included.

Made by Jeremy D. Gooch, special education teacher and transition coordinator. Drafting and layout had AI assistance; every page was checked by me.