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Transition Services

Secondary Transition is an important aspect of education for all individuals with diverse learning abilities. The transition planning process begins at age 14 and continues until graduation from high school. Throughout this season of education, students and their families, with support from the IEP Team, participate in a multi-step planning process to guide a seamless transition from high school to adult-hood. Opportunities for academic growth, acquisition of functional skill sets, community based activities, and the introduction to community based agencies are examples of how to better prepare our students and their families for the road ahead. Whether the student's future goal is to pursue further education or training in their desired occupational field, pursue on the job training and immediately enter the workforce after high school, or acquire skills necessary to live independently after high school, we are here to help navigate and support the transition planning process! 

Empowering Futures Work Based Learning Program

The Empowering Futures Program at Keystone Central School District has a mission to provide High School Students 16 years and older, with diverse learning abilities access to and participation in pre-employment skills training and community integration through on the job learning and assessment. In addition, the program provides opportunities that will prepare students to independently join the competitive workforce. Students participating in the program have the opportunity to work during school hours, in a paid or unpaid position, while also earning credits towards graduation. 

Program Goals:

-Provide the opportunity for job skill acquisition to promote the likelihood of future competitive employment.

- Afford meaningful learning experiences in the workplace and community

-Develop beneficial relationships with community businesses and stakeholders

-Promote independence and a sense of pride for students with diverse learning abilities

Employer Testimonials:

"The student worker program within Central Mountain High School Food Services has been an amazing experience. Students have learned a skill set and can decide if a job in food services may be right for them. Our team looks forward to the growth of this program and contributing to the success of the students", says Jesse Golla, Cafeteria Manager at Central Mountain High School

2021-2022 Inaugural Empowering Futures Participants

Want more information? 

Contact Jacque Newlan, Transition Coordinator for more information.

jnewlan@kcsd.k12.pa.us 

570-893-4900 ext.4454

Family Resources

Have questions about your student's future? Below are links to various resources to help guide and plan for the future!

Agency Resource Guide

Check out this Padlet to find out more information about local agencies and resources. The Padlet was put together by Transition Coordinators in Central Intermediate Unit 10 and is organized by county! 

Agency Resource Guide Link

Planning for the Future Checklist

The Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, in collaboration with other Secondary Transition Initiatives throughout Pennsylvania created and published the Planning for the Future Checklist to be used as a Transition Planning resource for educators, students, and student families. 

Planning for the Future Checklist

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR)

Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), provides vocational rehabilitation services to help individuals with disabilities prepare for, obtain or maintain employment. OVR offers services for school aged students. Find more information about OVR below! 

Why Work With OVR?

 

Transition Discoveries

Transition Discoveries creates and supports new and exciting opportunities for youth (ages 14-25) and their families to learn about making a successful transition from school to adult life. The website is new and offers a tremendous amount of resources and information on Transition for educators, students, and their families!

Transition Discoveries

Benefits Counseling Toolkit

The PA Secondary Transition Community of Practice recently released a Benefits Counseling Toolkit. This toolkit offers students and their families important information on working after high school and also receiving benefits.

For more information, click on the below link to access to toolkit. 

Benefits Counseling Toolkit