Special Education Resources for Families

This page offers resources and information for families, students and staff to help connect with community, post-secondary opportunities, and funding supports.

For questions or more information, please contact Julie Mlagan, SDMF Transition Coordinator at mlagjul@sdmfschools.org. or (262) 946-2102.

What is Transition

Transition Services include those services provided by Menomonee Falls Public Schools’ Special Education Department designed to prepare and support students with disabilities throughout their school years to prepare them for when they leave us. Outcomes may include, but are not limited to: Self-determination, self-advocacy, vocational training, employment, recreation & leisure, post-secondary education and independent living.

Our Values

Our Mission

Our Vision

Engage and empower students with disabilities, to achieve their full potential. At the same time, the greater community will become engaged in finding ways to provide meaningful opportunities for students to achieve their life’s goals. It is in influencing these critical connections--between students, the school, support systems, and community--the mission will be achieved.

How We Serve Students

Key Services

Assisting students in identifying a postsecondary vision for themselves based upon their interests, abilities and personal goals,
Assisting students in identifying their transition related support needs and systems, and in planning for their transition,
Identifying and guiding students toward appropriate instructional opportunities so they may acquire the skills necessary for post-secondary goals,
Providing opportunities for career awareness and career exploration,
Supporting students in finding resources for developing appropriate work behaviors and marketable job skills,
Facilitating linkages with adult services, vocational training and post-secondary education providers,
Building relationships in the community to increase post-secondary opportunities for students with disabilities.

Strategies to Stay Involved

Family/Student Responsibilities

Active Participation in IEP/PTP development
Knowledgeable of student’s strengths, interests, and weaknesses and open to sharing this information
Begin talking about life after school early
Have high expectations
Understand disability, its impact on learning, and accommodations needed

Teacher/Case Manager Responsibilities

Begin early, don’t wait until age 14
Have high expectations
Use parent-friendly language, no jargon
Provide information and resources to parents
Value families as active partners in IEP/PTP process
Connect families with transition resources/agencies in the community
Support time during meetings for questions/clarification
Ensure connection to Academic and Career Planning (ACP) process

Special Education Resources

Transition Resources

IEP Resources

Grades PK-8

WI FACETS IEP Checklist - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education Training & Support
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI)
Self-directed IEP Guide
Student Led IEP checklist
Family IEP Questionnaire
Family Student Snapshot - used to help your school know your child better
Self-awareness Questionnaire
About Me - Self-directed IEP Questions
A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 - for postsecondary education

Grades 9-12

WI FACETS IEP Checklist - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education Training & Support
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI)
Self-directed IEP Guide
Student Led IEP checklist
Family IEP Questionnaire
Family Student Snapshot - used to help your school know your child better
Self-awareness Questionnaire
About Me - Self-directed IEP Questions
A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 - for postsecondary education

Postsecondary (Ages 18-21)

WI FACETS IEP Checklist - Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education Training & Support
Wisconsin Statewide Parent Educator Initiative (WSPEI)
Self-directed IEP Guide
Student Led IEP checklist
Family IEP Questionnaire
Family Student Snapshot - used to help your school know your child better
Self-awareness Questionnaire
About Me - Self-directed IEP Questions
A Comparison of ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 - for postsecondary education

Transition Readiness

Grades PK-8

What is Transition
Parent Transition Survey
Transition Assessments - IEP/PTP preparation
Self-determination and self-advocacy

Grades 9-12

What is Transition
Parent Transition Survey
Transition Assessments - IEP/PTP preparation
Self-determination and self-advocacy
Transition: Living My Dream - A transition resource for young adults with disabilities
Transition Resource Guide - Services for Students Moving from High School into the Community

Postsecondary (Ages 18-21)

What is Transition

Parent Transition Survey
Transition Assessments - IEP/PTP preparation
Self-determination and self-advocacy
Transition: Living My Dream - A transition resource for young adults with disabilities
Transition Resource Guide - Services for Students Moving from High School into the Community
Aging & Disability Resource Center Resource Guide (ADRC) - Waukesha County

Children’s Long Term Care

PK-8- Age 18

WI Dept. of Health Services - information and resources on children’s long-term care waiver funding
WI Dept. of Health Services - how to apply for children’s long-term care waiver funding
Compass Wisconsin: Threshold - direct contact for Waukesha County residents to apply for Children's long-term care waiver funding
Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs - resources and support information (affiliated with Children’s Hospital)