Transition Program
The Center School’s Transition Program is designed to assist students, ages 18-21, in making a smooth transition from high school to adult life.
The Center School partners with local businesses to offer our students real-world work experiences called Structured Learning Experiences. (SLE)
The Center School’s Structured Learning Experiences are structured, supervised activities that take place in various locations/businesses within the community. SLE’s provide career exploration possibilities, develop employability skills, and help clarify career goals while paving the way between school and employment or further education. Training includes a variety of community placements in retail, at eldercare facilities, food service, and volunteer opportunities.
Since the beginning of 2016, the transition students have had placements at:
A job coach accompanies the student to each job site. The job coach encourages the student to work on skills related to performing specific job tasks and also helps with other skills necessary in the workplace such as interpersonal skills, employment training, compliance, and job performance.
Job Shadowing Opportunities–
A job shadowing experience allows a student to explore a specific career of interest by observing an employee perform their work duties at their place of employment.
Job shadowing can be as simple as an hour-long visit with one person, to an extended week-long visit allowing interaction with numerous staff and observation of a variety of activities.
Job Sampling Opportunities-
Job sampling is an initiative for younger students to connect the classroom to careers and engage students in the world of work. Sites may include private, non-profit, or community businesses, where students shadow employees and participate in workplace activities. Students gain school-based work experience in the following areas:
The school staff is committed to assisting students in acquiring the skills that will enable them to live independently, be actively involved in their communities and be able to find employment ad the appropriate supports.
Community-Based Instruction or CBI, takes place in naturally occurring community environments providing students with “real life experiences”.
Community-Based Instruction provides natural opportunities for adult living skills practice that is meaningful to students.
These functional skills include:
Social Skills:
The Center School partners with local businesses to offer our students real-world work experiences called Structured Learning Experiences. (SLE)
The Center School’s Structured Learning Experiences are structured, supervised activities that take place in various locations/businesses within the community. SLE’s provide career exploration possibilities, develop employability skills, and help clarify career goals while paving the way between school and employment or further education. Training includes a variety of community placements in retail, at eldercare facilities, food service, and volunteer opportunities.
Since the beginning of 2016, the transition students have had placements at:
- Carlo’s Pizza
- BeneFIT Physical Therapy
- Central Jersey Realtor
- Northern Nurseries
- Yestercades
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Volunteering at Genesis HealthCare Nursing Home and
- The Manville Library
- Wawa located in Bridgewater
- Rangam in Somerset
- Village Office Supplies in Somerset
A job coach accompanies the student to each job site. The job coach encourages the student to work on skills related to performing specific job tasks and also helps with other skills necessary in the workplace such as interpersonal skills, employment training, compliance, and job performance.
Job Shadowing Opportunities–
A job shadowing experience allows a student to explore a specific career of interest by observing an employee perform their work duties at their place of employment.
Job shadowing can be as simple as an hour-long visit with one person, to an extended week-long visit allowing interaction with numerous staff and observation of a variety of activities.
Job Sampling Opportunities-
Job sampling is an initiative for younger students to connect the classroom to careers and engage students in the world of work. Sites may include private, non-profit, or community businesses, where students shadow employees and participate in workplace activities. Students gain school-based work experience in the following areas:
- Clerical and Office Work
- Maintenance Services
- Inventory of Supplies
- Food Services
- Cashier Skills
- Sales Associate
The school staff is committed to assisting students in acquiring the skills that will enable them to live independently, be actively involved in their communities and be able to find employment ad the appropriate supports.
Community-Based Instruction or CBI, takes place in naturally occurring community environments providing students with “real life experiences”.
Community-Based Instruction provides natural opportunities for adult living skills practice that is meaningful to students.
These functional skills include:
- Following directions
- Reading signs
- Telling time
- Money skills
Social Skills:
- Greeting others
- Use of manners
- Understanding social context/behavior
- Use of appropriate language