Transition Program and Work-Based Learning
Program Highlights:
- Academic Survival Skills
- Social Skill development
- Critical thinking skills/problem solving skills
- Time and Money management
- Meal planning and preparation
- Career Possibilities and Preparation
- The Job Application Process
Our students acquire school-based work experience in the following areas:
- Cashier Skills
- Delivery Services
- Development of Small Businesses
- Food Services
- Maintenance Services
- Office and Clerical Work
- Sales Associate
Our program provides the student with a work-based learning experience within the school setting. The student’s time at work is recorded and his or her job performance is evaluated. This work experience helps the students to develop the work and social skills that are necessary prior to their placement at a WBL site in the local community.
The Gateway School Students are given the opportunity to have several work-based learning experiences at local participating business that has agreed to partner with us. Our staff works closely with the personnel of each business prior to and during the WBL. An Employment Specialist from our staff accompanies each student to the community site to assist them in performing their required tasks and also to ensure appropriate interaction with co-workers and supervisors.
The students gain work-based learning experience at the following types of work sites:
- Offices
- Retail Stores
- Chain Stores
- Restaurants
- Libraries
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 to acquire the appropriate supports that they need to be successful.
Program Goals:
- To assist students in becoming knowledgeable about their strengths, interests and needs in order to help make them contributing members at home, at school and in the community.
- To assist students and their families in their efforts in achieving employment, post-secondary, vocational and recreational goals upon graduation
- To assist students and their families through the transition process and connect them with adult services such as DDD, DVRS, SS, Performcare and Medicare prior to graduation.
- To help students and their families navigate the Human Services system to get much needed services (respite, behavior management etc.)
Work-Based Learning Worksites
As the students begin to age towards adulthood, the focus of the program tilts toward Transition and preparing students for leaving school and entering the world of the adult services. Being that New Jersey is an Employment First state we work closely with parents, Case Managers from the sending districts, and students themselves to seriously consider the world of work. In order to better emphasize this aspect of The Gateway School curriculum, lessons revolve around job exploration and preparation, vocational readiness, and the “soft” skills our students need to demonstrate in order to be successful in real work environments. To get our adolescents and young adults ready, we begin to take students out of the confines of the classroom and school building to experience work-based learning around the Carteret community.
Students are transported to the work-based learning sites and taught by staff members who have specific training in Job Coaching. Staff is working under the leadership and supervision of our Transition Specialist and WBL Coordinator.
In order to provide students with Related Services within natural contexts, our preferred instructional methodology, at times the Speech Therapist or Occupational Therapist might go with the Job Coach to implement practical and relevant sessions right at the work site.