School to Work

The School-to-Work Transition Program serves students aged 17 to 21 years old who are getting ready to exit from the school setting. This is a community-based program that draws together area businesses and educators to prepare special needs students for employment and independent living. The applied academics, combined with on-the-job training, allows students to practice their classroom skills in the community.

Each student in the program completes ten-week, nonpaid internships within a local business. Job coaches help train them on-the-job, along with modifying job duties to meet individual needs. The students develop interviewing skills, complete job applications, resumes, employment portfolios, and the interpersonal skills needed in order to be a productive employee.

The career preparation curriculum we use in the program meets Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) Standards. The program is available for a full day with integrated core academics, or half day if students complete their academics at their home school.

Our STW team partners with districts to support students as they build their post high school plans for employment or further training/education. We also collaborate with districts and adult agencies to assist in completing the students’ NYS Career Plan document. Our goal is to prepare students for successful employment.

The goals of the program are to ensure students gain independent living skills, provide students a variety of work experiences, and help them transition into adult services with the least restrictive environment.

• Transition from School to the  Workplace
• Learn skills that lead to independent employment
• Exposure to a variety of entry level jobs

CURRICULUM INCLUDES:

• Life Skills
• Career Development
• Universal Foundation Skills (reading, writing, math, problem solving, technology)

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

• Community based internships
• Community based field experiences
• Transition planning

STUDENTS COMPLETE THE PROGRAM WITH:

• A portfolio
• A Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) / Skills and Achievement Commencement (SACC) credential
• Soft Skills that lead to employment

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Nancy DeStefano
Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Programs
15 Henning Road
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-581-3830