Overview
Student Employment Services plays a crucial role in assisting high school students with disabilities as they transition from school into adulthood and the workforce. This program is designed to empower students by providing them with the necessary resources and guidance during this critical period. Through two complementary tracks, the Columbia Ability Alliance (CAA) collaborates closely with school districts, IEP teams, and partner agencies to create a customized plan tailored to each student’s unique strengths, interests, and transition objectives. This comprehensive approach is provided at no cost to families, given the appropriate referral is in place.
Who It’s For
Student Employment Services is designed for high school students with disabilities, typically aged 19–22, who are on the cusp of graduation and preparing for life beyond the academic environment. Additionally, this program extends support to parents and educators who seek a reliable partner to facilitate the development of real-world skills for students before they transition out of formal school-based support. This assistance is vital as it helps bridge the gap between education and employment, ensuring that students are adequately prepared to enter the workforce.
What’s Included
Student Employment Services provides two distinct yet complementary programs, specifically designed to cater to the varying age groups and goals of students:
- School to Work (Ages 19–22): Hands-on work experience built directly into the school year. CAA partners with local high schools to help students explore careers while earning real job skills, coordinating closely with IEP teams so every placement supports the student’s long-term plan.
- Integrated job experience during the school year
- Collaboration with school staff and IEP teams
- Aligned with state-mandated transition planning
- Job Foundations (Ages 19–20, DDA-Eligible): A structured, five-visit career discovery program for eligible students still in school. An employment specialist observes communication, social, and task-related skills during real-world job trials to help determine the best next steps after graduation.
- 1:1 coaching and observation during work trials
- Foundational insights to guide post-school planning
- Helps identify whether a student needs employment support or extended school services
CAA also offers a valuable free downloadable Transition Timeline. This resource maps out essential milestones that families should anticipate and prepare for, starting from middle school through to high school graduation. By utilizing this timeline, families can proactively manage the transition process, ensuring that students are prepared for each stage of their development.
Eligibility
- School to Work: Ages 19–22, enrolled in school, coordinated through the student’s IEP team and school district.
- Job Foundations: Ages 19–20, DDA-eligible, still enrolled in school.
How to Get Started
To initiate the process of enrolling in Student Employment Services, families can follow these steps:
- Talk to your student’s school case manager or IEP team about transition planning, and mention CAA’s Student Employment Services.
- Contact CAA’s Employment Services team directly to ask about School to Work or Job Foundations.
- Download and review the Transition Timeline to understand key milestones and stay ahead of referral deadlines.
Contact Employment Services | Download the Transition Timeline (PDF) | View the Employment Services Handbook (PDF)
With the right resources and support, students can successfully make the transition from school to work, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future.
FAQ
What’s the difference between School to Work and Job Foundations?
School to Work provides ongoing, hands-on job experience that is integrated into the school year, allowing students to gain practical skills while still pursuing their education. In contrast, Job Foundations consists of a shorter, five-visit assessment process designed to evaluate the specific support needs of students as they approach graduation. Depending on their goals and eligibility, some students may benefit from participating in one program, the other, or both.
Both programs are typically accessed through referrals from a school district, DVR, or DDA. CAA’s expert team is available to assist families in determining the most suitable pathway based on the individual needs and goals of the student.
When should we start planning for this?
It is crucial to start planning as early as possible. Many transition milestones are interrelated and build upon each other throughout middle and high school. This is precisely why CAA developed the Transition Timeline, to aid families in staying proactive and avoiding last-minute scrambles during the senior year.
- Engage in a conversation with your student’s school case manager or IEP team regarding transition planning, and express your interest in CAA’s Student Employment Services. Open communication is key in ensuring that your student receives the right support.
- Directly contact CAA’s Employment Services team to inquire about the specifics of the School to Work or Job Foundations programs. Ask any questions you may have to understand how these services can best meet your student’s needs.
- Directly contact CAA’s Employment Services team to inquire about the specifics of the School to Work or Job Foundations programs. Ask any questions you may have to understand how these services can best meet your student’s needs.
- Download and review the Transition Timeline to familiarize yourself with critical milestones and stay ahead of referral deadlines. This will help you to plan effectively and ensure your student is ready for the transition.
Does my student need a DDA waiver to participate?
Participation in the Job Foundations program requires DDA eligibility. However, the School to Work program is typically coordinated through the school and IEP team and may not necessitate a DDA waiver. CAA’s knowledgeable team can provide clarification on what applies to your student’s specific circumstances.
Is there a cost to families?
No, these invaluable services are provided at no cost when accessed through a referral from a school, DVR, or DDA, making it an accessible option for families seeking support for their students.
