Transition
print

Transition Overview

The Transition Program is an outcome based program that teaches real life skills in age appropriate, natural environments. All students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) are entitled to transition services. The Transition Program will serves students from SASED member districts as well as students in the DuPage West Cook Visually Impaired programs.  The Transition program philosophy is to provide an environment which encourages self-growth for the students as they work toward their personal goals. Goals are developed collaboratively between student, family, and transition staff using a person-centered approach. The goal of the program is for students to be prepared and linked to the services they need upon their exit from school based services whether it is employment, day programs, college, volunteering or adult living. The linkage is individual and personal to each student.

 Vocational services are also an integral part of the Transition program.  The mission is to create an environment that encourages self-growth for students as they progress towards their employment and training goals.   Vocational services and supports include employment assessments, classroom activities including resume writing and practice applications; in school training opportunities, support for community employment interviews, community training, and job coaching supports.  The Vocational Services team works closely with Department of Rehabilitation Services to provide linkages for adult vocational services for our students.

Eligibility

Students are determined to be eligible for the SASED Transition program through the IEP process in their home districts.  SASED programs are just one option in the continuum of supports, services and placements available to meet a student’s needs.

Curriculum and Instruction

The Transition program focuses on adult outcomes for students in the areas of employment, education, training, and independent living as directed by each students’ Transition Plan. Instruction is provided by dedicated and highly qualified special education teachers in collaboration with a Social Worker, Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, teaching assistants, and job coaches.  Instruction occurs at the Transition Center in Westmont and in the larger community.  

To prepare for future employment, students research potential careers based on their interests and abilities.  Outcomes are individualized for each student and range from full-time competitive employment to part time volunteering.  Students are provided the necessary training and support to be successful in these opportunities.  For some students, classroom instruction is provided on appropriate workplace behaviors including building positive co-worker relationships, punctuality, and meeting supervisor standards.  While for other students’ instruction focuses on locating materials, completing assigned tasks, and asking for help.  The Transition team works with each student to identify employment and volunteer opportunities in his or her home community.

Students participate in a variety of experiences and instruction to prepare them to be as independent as possible upon exiting.  Through weekly fitness activities, instruction in health and wellness, and opportunities to improve personal care skills, students work toward achieving personal independence.  Students also learn how to complete domestic tasks, budget their money, and prepare healthy meals. Students explore leisure options both at the Transition Center and in the community.  They learn how to work within a group to plan events and community trips and learn important safety skills through participation in community outings.  

Literacy and math instruction are provided in a functional context to help students meet appropriate goals.  Research-based literacy instruction is provided at three levels to accommodate all students and provide appropriate and motivating reading material.  Math instruction focuses on measurement (especially for cooking), time use, money skills, and budgeting.

College support is available for students interested in pursuing coursework at local community colleges.  Transition teachers and staff can assist in accessing available resources from the college, navigating the campus, personal organization, and study skills.  Additionally, students may attend vocational skills courses at the local community colleges. 

Another integral part of the Transition Program is the Microbusiness.  Started through a grant, it is now a sustainable business that provides valuable and unique work experiences for students in the program.  Students are a part of all aspects of the business from product development, shopping for and ordering materials, making and packaging items, and selling items.  The Microbusiness can be found selling its goods at local craft shows and items are also available at the Transition Center.  

Resources

SASED has made more information and resources available to community members, families, district representatives and professional staff.  Guests and families can access information through the Parent Resources link at the top of this page.  SASED district administrators and professional staff can access forms and information through the MySASED portal at the top of the page.

Contact Information

For additional information about Transition, please contact:

Programs