School to Work Transition

School to Work and Transition Services

school-to-work-transition-servicesSchool-to-work mentors provide support to high school students with developmental disabilities, as they explore work opportunities while learning transferrable skills that are critical to their career future development path. Students will also learn how to foster relationships, gain confidence in their ability to solve problems, and self-advocate.  Our school program offers three components: Career Exploration, Transition Services, and Summer Youth Employment.  We prepare students for work by focusing on their strengths and areas of interest, while they gain knowledge of various career options in the community.

We utilize the NY State Career Development Occupational Studies (CDOS) and Skills and Assessment Commencement Credential (SACC) as a quarterly assessment tool that tracks student’s progress and hours required for graduation.

Currently, our School to Work program includes participants from

  • Dover
  • Hyde Park
  • Poughkeepsie
  • Pawling
  • Spackenkill
  • Wappingers

Career Exploration allows students to observe people performing various job tasks while working. Generally students experience three to four community sites during the school year, to assist them with the development of a career path that is the right fit for them.

Transition Services prepare students and their families for eligibility with adult services.  Students and their families are strongly encouraged to apply for eligibility while they are still in high school. The Arc of Dutchess and the school district guide families to the appropriate adult service provider. We will follow the family through the eligibility process to provide support and ensure a smooth transition into adult services.

Students must meet income eligibility requirements in order to participate in the Summer Youth Employment program which offers paid work experiences in a variety of settings.

For more information about our School to Work and Transition Services and other opportunities for student enrichment, contact Joan Sczerba at 845-471-8876 x 117 or JSczerba@arcdutchess.org.