Tuesday's Transition Tips for Teachers is a weekly email for teachers, administrators, parents, counselors, and vocational rehabilitation staff. "Tip" topics include quality and compliant Transition IEPs, transition assessments, drop-out prevention strategies, work-based learning, academic and life skill instruction, family involvement, working with Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation, and much, much more.Positive Student Work Experiences in a Seamless Transition
Real-world work experiences before high school graduation are a key component of a seamless transition, contributing to students’ long-term success in competitive, integrated community employment. Early exposure to various career experiences aligned with the students’ interests and abilities allows them to explore multiple career paths. This exploration leads to increased career readiness, improved employability, and a better match between students and their future careers.
Work-based learning opportunities may include:
- Work-site tours
- Service learning with hands-on experiences
- Job-shadowing with a mentor
- Internships
- Career and Technical Education
Success Stories
Meet Jeremy! Jeremy worked during high school. A job developer from The ARC discovered that Jeremy wanted to become a magician, entertaining young children. The job developer helped Jeremy get a job with FunFlatables, providing inflatables for children’s parties. After he graduated from high school, Jeremy became a dishwasher at Cracker Barrel. He earned at least minimum wage, working 30-40 hours a week, to earn enough to no longer rely on social security insurance. He improved his communication skills, made progress in his job, and made business cards promoting his work as a magician for children’s parties.
Meet Colton! Colton worked in competitively paid, integrated jobs at 14 as a barista at a local cafe. He walked to his job twice a week. Colton bussed tables, helped the barista, and was a host there until he went to college. Colton held other part-time jobs during summers and evenings. Colton loved working with children at his former elementary school cafeteria. During the summer, he worked in the school’s ESY program as a mentor and role model.
Pre-ETS and Vocational Rehabilitation services can help you and your transition teams find good work experiences for students. To find a local Pre-ETS provider, visit the Counties by Pre-ETS Provider Fact Sheet. For additional information, visit the Family and Social Services Administration: Pre-Employment Transition Services Forms webpage.
Bonus Tips:
The virtual Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) continues this week. Help us spread the word! Share this free learning opportunity with families, students, and colleagues. To register, visit the CCLC FEAT webpage.
Upcoming sessions:
- Tuesday, May 13: Individual Employment Possibilities
- Wednesday, May 14: Employer and Employee Supports
- Monday, May 19: Maintaining Employment Resources and Medicaid
- Tuesday, May 20: Benefits
- Wednesday, May 21: Local and State Agency Presenters
We're excited to offer the Transition Educators Facilitating Employment course, starting July 14, 2025! This 10-week, comprehensive online training gives educators, specialists, Pre-ETS providers, transition coordinators, and other professionals the foundation, techniques, and effective strategies necessary for successful adult vocational transition.
Course modules include:
- Developing Transition Programs within the Traditional School Environment
- The Evolution of Supported and Customized Employment
- Principles of Supported and Customized Employment
- Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations
- Discovery and Customized Employment
- Marketing for Employment Services
- Job Development, Training, and Workplace Supports
- Assistive Technology
- Federal Programs for Businesses and People with Disabilities
- Criminal Justice Involvement
This online, self-paced course costs $250. For more information and to register, visit the CCLC Transition Educators Training webpage.