Statewide List of 18-22 Year-Old Programs (Extended Transition Sites)
Promising Practices Transition Sites
School-Based Enterprises
Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, students with disabilities may receive public education services until their 22nd birthday. In Florida, students who have not graduated with a standard diploma may receive services from the school district until their 22nd birthday or, at the discretion of the school district, through the end of the semester or school year in which they turn 22.
While some students may continue to work toward a standard diploma, program options for 18 to 22-year-olds generally focus on achieving Individual Educational Plan (IEP) transition goals. Programs may be offered in a variety of locations, including high schools, career and technology centers, career and technical (vocational) schools and postsecondary institutions. Program goals include independent living, competitive employment, dropout prevention and/or postsecondary education or training.
A list of promising practices transition sites for 18 to 22 years old students in Florida follows. Additionally, check out our publication Extended Transition (Florida 18-22 Programs) List, which can be downloaded from the "Documents & Files" box on the right side of this page. The publication contains information on programs and activities for 18 to 22-year-olds in the state. Specific program categories, names and activities, along with the districts offering them, are described in the document.
For information on current 18-22-year-old programs (extended transition sites), click on a section to jump to a list of programs offered in those districts. We strive to provide a comprehensive list of programs. However, if we missed a program that you are aware of, please send us an email (usfsp-project10@usf.edu) and we will update this list right away.
Districts whose names begin with:
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(return to top)Chautauqua Learn and Serve
Community Integration Program: 1118 Magnolia Avenue, Panama City, FL 32401
Cynthia McCauley | mccauca@bay.k12.fl.us | (850) 785-5056
This program teaches transitional and functional skills for students whose individual IEPs may include goals as varied as using a can opener, operating a microwave oven, earning an Early Childhood Worker certification, or entering the military. Program options include yoga, art therapy, movement therapy, international service learning and courses at local community colleges and universities.
Bradford Transition Academy
501 West Washington St., Starke, FL 32091
Lisa Gault, Instructor | gault.lisa@mybradford.us | (904) 966-6764
In the Transition Academy, students are learning postschool adult living and employability skills. Students participate in community-based and on-campus instruction and vocational training.
Project SEARCH – High School Transition Program | Holmes Regional Medical Center | Melbourne, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project SEARCH – High School Transition Program | Cape Canaveral Hospital | Cocoa Beach, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project SEARCH – Memorial Hospital Miramar | Miramar, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Transition Deferment Options for Broward County Public Schools Exceptional Student Learning Support
Transition Deferment programs are available to students who have met all High School graduation requirements and would like to stay in Broward County Public Schools to acquire specific skills in the areas of academic, employment and/or independence with continued support and services according to their Transition Individual Education Plan (TIEP). The skills learned in their chosen deferment program will help students achieve their post-secondary goals.
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(return to top)Project SEARCH – Bayfront Punta Gorda
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Real World Employment Skills
Michael Skrbich | michael.skrbich@yourcharlotteschools.net | (941) 255-7500 ext. 107
School-Based Enterprise for students ages 18-22 located at Charlotte Technical Center provides students with opportunities to explore careers and learn real-world skills in agriculture, auto mechanics, construction, food services, grocery and retail, hotel services and office work.
CREST Adults Transitioning Successfully (CATS) – A Community-Based Vocational Education Program (CBVE)
Citrus Resources for Exceptional Students in Transition (CREST) Campus: 2600 S. Panther Pride Drive, Lecanto, FL 34461
Karl Amundson | amundsonk@citrus.k12.fl.us
CATS is a CBVE for students with disabilities ages 18-21 whose IEPs recommend CBVE and have deferred receipt of their diplomas. Services are provided at the CREST School and in the community with Exceptional Student Education (ESE) teachers, Job Coaches and ESE staff. The CATS staff provide instruction in functional academics and employability skills. Students have the opportunity to enroll in career experience classes where they can participate in off-campus work programs, Volunteering and/or Community Based Instruction Trips. In addition to providing direct instruction, the ESE teachers provide support to employers participating in the work program.
The Transition Academy – Employability Program
Withlacoochee Technical Institute: 1201 West Main Street, Inverness, FL 34450 | (352) 726-2430
Dave Benthusen | benthusend@citrus.k12.fl.us
Ron Moore | moorer@citrus.k12.fl.us
Cheryl Palmer | palmerc@citrus.k12.fl.us
The Transition Academy is a program for students with disabilities who have deferred the receipt of their diploma. Located on the campus of the Withlacoochee Technical Institute, it provides instruction in functional academics and employability skills. Students may also enroll in career education or job preparatory classes or participate in an off-campus work program. In addition to providing direct instruction to students, the ESE (Exceptional Student Education) teacher supports other participating faculty and employers.
Project SEARCH – Kindred Hospital North Florida | Green Cove Springs, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project WOLF
Penney Farms Retirement Community, Penney Farms, FL Provide real world, non-paid internship experiences, as well as community experiences for the purposes of living as independently as possible. This is a pre-Project SEARCH program. A full time Skills Trainer is built into the program. Employment may be offered to interns after the completion of the program. Rotations are taken within departments at Penney Retirement Community and include: Restaurant, Housekeeping, Laundry, Grounds and landscaping and Inventory.
Project EM-Power+
Various schools throughout the county. Introduce students to ongoing energy related business based problems within authentic situations, at our host business, Clay County Schools. Students will be involved with unpaid internships that surround data collection and analysis, energy sustainability, research, problem solving, energy management and facilities operations. Students will be introduced and exposed to a variety of science, technology, business, and mathematics career paths. A teacher and skills trainer take key roles in the education and training process. Training in the following programs will be emphasized: US EPA's Energy Star, US Green Building Council's LEED program, ISO and Building commissioning responsibilities.
Transition Works
Ridgeview High School To give students authentic, intensive and comprehensive employment training in real-world environments with al focus on workplace soft skills, job exploration, and job skills development. Micro business opportunities for the purposes of job exploration are available and include: Janitorial/Housekeeping, t-shirt creation and craft creation and sales.
Panther Challenge
Ridgeview High School Panther Challenge offers students intensive, comprehensive training within their areas of needs, as determined by an assessment. The intent of the program is to maximize post-secondary opportunities by focusing on pre-vocational and vocational skills, functional academics, and life skills development. This program is highly individualized based on the needs established by the testing. Students will be exposed to micro-business opportunities within the campus and can include: Coffee Shop, Recycling, Mail management and Agri-business.
Knight Challenge
Oakleaf High School To offer students further training in the form of academics needed for employment and vocational/pre-vocational skills with a heavy emphasis on soft skills. Students may continue to be with non-deferred students for some activities throughout the day. Students will participate in off campus training opportunities at a local Assisted Living Facility and skills training for: Housekeeping and Maintenance.
Indian Challenge – Keystone Heights Jr/Sr High School
To offer students further training in the form of academics needed for employment and vocational/pre-vocational skills with a heavy emphasis on soft skills. Students may continue to be with non-deferred students for some activities throughout the day. Students will be involved in campus based micro businesses to include: Management of K-Town Store, Office cleaning and Photocopying.
Blue Devil Challenge – Clay High School
To offer students further training in the form of academics needed for employment and vocational/pre-vocational skills with an emphasis on soft skills and entrepreneurial ship. Students may continue to be with non-deferred students for some activities throughout the day. Activities within the program may include: craft creation and sales, on campus school store and unpaid on-the-job training opportunities off campus, with a skills trainer.
Collier Skill Training for Employment Program (Co-STEP)
Through Co-STEP students enrolled in CCPS are provided pre-vocational and vocational training, job placement, as well as paid and unpaid work experiences with local businesses.
Learning Independent Functional Employment (L.I.F.E.)
The L.I.F.E Program is an internship program for students with disabilities between the ages of 18-21. The program provides authentic structured work-study opportunities in a community-based setting based on students’ interests and strengths. The program takes place through a partnership with Royal Poinciana Golf Club. Students begin and end each day with classroom instruction on the Barron Collier High School campus. The following topics will be covered throughout the program: Team Building, Banking Skills, Workplace Safety, Self-Advocacy, Preparing for Employment, Confidence Building, Work-related Vocabulary, Responsibility and Maintaining Employment.
Immokalee Technical Center Vocational Program (I-TECH)
CCPS students with disabilities at the I-TECH program are able to participate in several different authentic work experiences on the I-TECH campus, including jobs in the fields of automotive repair, culinary, cosmetology and child care.
Project Explore – Lorenzo Walk Institute of Technology (LWIT)
Project Explore LWIT is a self-directed assessment experience for students with disabilities that focuses on career assessment, employability skills, academic testing and remediation, career training exploration and self-advocacy training.
Project Explore – Mooring’s Park/LWIT
Project Explore provides a unique on the job learning experience for students with disabilities through a partnership between LWIT and the Moorings Park assisted living facility. Students in Project Explore work with Moorings Park staff, who act as mentors to them in a variety of different fields based on their strengths and interests.
Project SEARCH – Naples Community Hospital
Project SEARCH is a one-year internship program for students with disabilities between the ages of 18-21. It is targeted to students whose goal is competitive employment. The program takes place at NCH Baker Downtown Hospital, where students will participate in three unpaid internships to explore a variety of career paths. Students begin and end each day with classroom instruction on the NCH campus. The following topics will be covered throughout the program: Team Building, Workplace Safety, Financial Literacy, Health and Wellness, Technology, Self-Advocacy, Preparing for Employment and Maintaining Employment.
Project SEARCH – Lake City Medical Center
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
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(return to top)Project SEARCH – Hope Academy | UF Health Jacksonville - Hope Haven
Project SEARCH – University of North Florida | Jacksonville, FL
Project SEARCH – Palm Gardens Retirement | Jacksonville, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
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Project SEARCH – Innisfree Hotel | Pensacola Beach, FL
Project SEARCH – Baptist Hospital | Pensacola, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
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(return to top)Project SEARCH – Princeton Village Retirement Community | Bunnell, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
TRAIL Program
Dr. Kimberli L. Halliday | hallidayk@flaglerschools.com | (386) 446-6742
The TRAIL Transition Program is an outcome oriented program whose focus is to assist Flagler County’s 18-21 year old persons with disabilities in finding meaningful, age appropriate vocational placements in our community while keeping in mind their unique learning styles and individual needs. Their mission is to combine functional academics with community-based instruction in order to expose our participants to a variety of career choices while enhancing the skills necessary to become successful, independent and employed. The TRAIL vision is to prepare ALL of our young people for a seamless transition into the world of work and adult living.
STREAM: Structured TRansition Education Courses And Managed Care and Supports
Matanzas High School: Sara Novak | (386) 447-1575
Flagler Palm Coast High School: Abude Koushakjy | (386) 437-7540
Flagler Schools: Dr. Kimberli L. Halliday, Transition Coordinator | hallidayk@flaglerschools.com | (386) 446-6742
STREAM is designed and implemented to support young people with disabilities who have a desire to defer their high school diploma, who’s IEP teams have determined a continued need for transition training and who requires the constant supports and managed care only available through specially designed ESE programs located at the student’s service school. The goal of each series of on-campus STREAM courses are to assist young people with disabilities in safely learning/practicing pre-employment skills, becoming as independent as possible and, when appropriate, transitioning to other Flagler County Schools Transition programs.
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(return to top)Lee Employment Apprenticeship Program (LEAP)
LEAP is a one-year, school-to-work program taking place at the School District of Lee County Public Education Center. Total workplace immersion facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training through worksite rotation-internships. All LEAP students will be determined eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation, meet application & qualification requirements and are responsible for arranging their own transportation.
LEAP provides:
- Real-life work experience which combines training in employability and independent living skills to help young adults with individual education plans (IEP) make successful transitions from school to productive adult life.
- An experience-based model that provides training and career exploration, job coaching, and continuous feedback from instructor, job coach, and mentors.
- Assistance from the instructor, job coach and mentors in order for participating students to become gainfully employed.
Contacts:
Susan Ellinger, ESE Assistant Director | Susanme@leeschools.net | (239) 337-8335
Scott Kozlowski, ESE Coordinator | Scottko@leeschools.net | (239) 337-8287
Eugenia “Gina” Lewis, District TransitionSpecialist | EugeniaGLe@leeschools.net | (239) 337-8140
Project SEARCH – Golisano Children's Hospital | Ft. Myers, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
LCS Transition Program
The Transition Program ensures a seamless transition from school to independent adult life for young people with disabilities who need continued employment, agency support, and community and life skills training. It is our intent that students, upon exiting the program, will have part-time employment in a vocation of their choosing as evidenced through the Discovery Process. They will function independently in the community and in the home to the best of their ability and will contribute positively to their family and to their community.
Kristy Ward | wardk@leonschools.net
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(return to top) Project SEARCH – Hilton Ocala | Ocala, FL
Project SEARCH – Bridgewater Park Assisted Living & Memory Care | Ocala, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project SEARCH – High School Transition Program
Career Exploration in a Health Care Setting | Martin Memorial Medical Center | Stuart, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
METRO: Moving Exceptional Students Through Real-Life Opportunities
Our Goal is to provide high school students with disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or post-secondary education and prepare them for life after high school.? Our transition programs provides students instruction in self-determination, self-advocacy, personal and career planning, legal issues, workplace competencies, post-secondary education, citizenship, community involvement and independent living, but also providing the opportunity for real world experiences in the community.
Project BRIDGE (Building Recreational Independence and Developing Gateways to Employment)
This is a post-secondary transition program for students with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities who have opted to defer their high school diploma. This program provides specialized instruction in the field of marine sciences, boating, and recreation. The program is a collaboration between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Shake-a-Leg Miami that is supported by the Nature Links consortium, a group dedicated to increasing access for all individuals with disabilities to all the recreational environmental experiences that Miami has to offer. This program is individualized for each student in preparation for competitive employment and aligned to their post-secondary goals through their Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Project Bridges to Tomorrow
is a post-secondary Career and Technical Education program for youth with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities who have opted to defer their high school diploma. This program provides students the opportunity to acquire customized occupation-specific skills training in the field of technology education. The program is individualized for each student in preparation for competitive employment and aligned to their post-secondary goals through the Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Project SEARCH – City of Hialeah and City of Miami
Project SEARCH – Miami Zoo | Miami, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project Victory (Vocational, Instruction, Community, and Training, Opportunities for Youth)
This program is for students with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. The program has two components: Students in 11th/12th grade participate half-day at a worksite and half-day in the classroom; Students who have opted to defer their high school diploma, participate half-day at a worksite and half-day in the classroom or full day at the worksite. Project VICTORY prepares students for financial, personal, and social independence through work related experiences that cultivate employability skills essential for success in the workplace. Current sites include hospitals, Publix Supermarkets, Miami International Airport, NSPIRE Healthcare, the City of Miami Gardens and the City of Hialeah.
Project STRIVE
This is a post-secondary Career and Technical Education program for youth with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities who have opted to defer their high school diploma. This program provides students the opportunity to further acquire customized occupation-specific skills training in the field of culinary arts. The program is individualized for each student in preparation for competitive employment and aligned to their post-secondary goals through the Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Supported Employment
This is a program for students with significant cognitive and physical disabilities. The program assist students who are 18-22 years of age, who have opted to defer their high school diploma to obtain and retain competitive employment and to become more independent.
TIES (Transition to Independence, Employment and Success) Program
Anne Marie Thurber | Ann-Marie.Thurber@keysschools.com | (305) 292-7178
Key West High School vocational training program located at Sigbee Naval Base for students ages 18-22. Naval Air Station Key West and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are partners. Ties Program Celebration 2018 captures a fantastic year in review for the students and what makes the program so special to them.
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(return to top)Project SEARCH – Baptist Medical Center Nassau | Fernandina Beach, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
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(return to top) Okaloosa Applied Technology Center Transition Program – Career and Employability Development
Okaloosa Applied Technology Center: 1976 Lewis Turner Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
Al Gardner, Principal | gardnera@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
Kelly Day, Assistant Principal | dayk@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us | (850) 833-3500
Students with disabilities who have deferred the receipt of their diploma increase their self-determination skills, employment abilities and opportunities for work and community-based instruction; establish high expectations; and develop Transition Portfolios with the goal of achieving competitive employment. Activities include career exploration, self-advocacy, career and technical training, academics, employability skills and industry certification. Program partners include the Career & Technology Education (CTE) and Adult Education departments.
Project SEARCH – Hilton Garden Inn | Fort Walton Beach, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Silver Sands School Transition Program – Comprehensive School-to-Work Program
The Silver Sands School: 349 Holmes Boulevard, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Marline VanDyke, Principal | vandykem@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us
Tara Hicks, Staffing Specialist | hickst@mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us | (850) 833-3364
Students with intellectual disabilities who have deferred the receipt of their diploma learn to transition into adulthood and future environments through two courses (Career Preparation and Career Experience), community-based instruction, a number of on- and off-campus work experiences, school-based enterprise, volunteering, transportation training and other activities. Coursework includes work interest inventories, career exploration, employability skills, social skills development, self-advocacy and self-determination skills, independent living skills, integrated academics, health, safety and the development of Transition Portfolios. Mentors and job coaches are also provided. Program partners include local businesses, parents, other district schools, Agency for Persons with Disabilities, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Security Administration and other agencies.
Project SEARCH – High School Transition Program | Florida Hospital | Orlando, FL
Project SEARCH – High School Transition Program | Florida Hospital | Winter Park, FL
Project SEARCH – High School Transition Program | Rosen Shingle Creek Resort | Orlando, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Post High School Transition Program – Employability Skills Training
Winnie Palmer Hospital: 3909 South Summerlin Avenue, Orlando, FL 32806
Cannon Cameron, Program Specialist, ESE Transition Services | cannon.cameron@ocps.net | (407) 317-3493
Students ages 19-22 who apply and are accepted into this program are transported from a local high school to Winner Palmer Hospital daily. There they learn appropriate work-related behaviors and skills by rotating through a variety of jobs with support from the teacher, paraprofessional or hospital mentor. Students also receive travel training using the public transportation system. Program goals are to support students in becoming independent, contributing members of the community and in gaining and maintaining employment.
Post High School Transition Program – Employability Skills Training
Orlando World Center Resort by Marriott: 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821
Cannon Cameron, Program Specialist, ESE Transition Services | cannon.cameron@ocps.net | (407) 317-3493
Students ages 19-22 who apply and are accepted into this program are transported from a local high school to the Orlando World Center Resort by Marriot daily. Students learn hospitality industry skills and related work behaviors including grooming, hygiene, communication skills, following dress codes and workplace schedules, completing tasks and taking initiative. Students also receive travel training using the public transportation system. Participating in this program allows students to diversify their training and increase endurance and stamina while working progressively longer periods of time on site with the teacher, paraprofessional, or Marriott mentor.
Post High School Transition Program – Employability Skills Training
Goodwill Work Activity Center: 7531 South Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809
Cannon Cameron, Program Specialist, ESE Transition Services | cannon.cameron@ocps.net | (407) 317-3493
Students ages 19-22 who apply and are accepted into this program are transported from a local high school to the Goodwill Work Activity Center where they have the opportunity for intense employability training and paid employment through contract work. Training is provided for adult work-related behavior such as following a workplace schedule, completing tasks and taking initiative. Students also receive travel and social skills training. This site also offers a Family Support Group which meets monthly.
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project SEARCH sites include:
Gaylor Palms Resort & Convention Center, Kissimmee, FL
Advent Health Kissimmee, Kissimmee, FL
School District of Osceola County (SDOC), Kissimmee, FL
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(return to top)Palm Beach List of Deferral Options
Palm Beach County High School/High Tech
Career exploration, work-based learning, youth leadership
Gulfstream Goodwill Industries: 1715 Tiffany Drive East, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
Susan Byoksky, HS/HT Contact | (561) 848-7200
Cindy Maunder, HS/HT Project Coordinator, Director of Gulfstream Goodwill Industries | (561) 259-1000
High School/High Tech serves high school students with all types of disabilities who are pursuing various diploma options and are interested in technology-related careers. Palm Beach County HS/HT specifically serves youth ages 18 to 22.
Project SEARCH – Bethesda Memorial Hospital | Boynton Beach, FL
Project SEARCH – Boca Raton Resort & Club | Boca Raton, FL
Project SEARCH – Unicorn Children's Foundation - Private | Boca West County Club | Boca Raton, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project SEARCH – John Hopkins All Children's Hospital | St. Petersburg, FL
Project SEARCH – Princeton Village Retirement Community | Largo, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
High School Transition at Traviss Career Center – High School Transition Program
3225 Winter Lake Road, Lakeland, FL 33803 | Karen Toppin | (863) 534-0930
This program provides an opportunity for students 18 to 22 years of age to work toward their desired postsecondary goals. It assists students to transition into adulthood through continued education, work experience and leisure activities. The program is modeled on the Kohler Taxonomy for Transition Programming.
High School Transition at Ridge Technical Center – High School Transition Program
7700 State Road 44, Winter Haven, FL 33881 | Karen Toppin | (863) 534-0930
This program provides an opportunity for students 18 to 22 years of age to work toward their desired postsecondary goals. It assists students to transition into adulthood through continued education, work experience and leisure activities. The program is modeled on the Kohler Taxonomy for Transition Programming.
Project SEARCH – Lakeland Regional Health | Lakeland, FL
Project SEARCH – Lake Wales Medical Center | Lake Wales, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
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(return to top)Project SEARCH – Santa Rosa County School District
Project SEARCH – Gulf Breeze Hospital | Gulf Breeze, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
SITE (Skills for Independence, Transition and Employment)
Employability, functional academics and self-determination
NAS Whiting Field, Milton, FL 32570 | Amanda Failing | failinga@santarosa.k12.fl.us
SITE is a partnership between the United States Navy and the Santa Rosa County School District providing individualized instruction, employability and daily living skills, functional academics and self-determination instruction to students ages 18 to 21 who have deferred the receipt of their diplomas.
TRAIN (Transition Revolving Around Individual Needs)
Entrepreneurial Program, Santa Rosa County School District | Amanda Failing | failinga@santarosa.k12.fl.us
TRAIN provides a learning environment at each high school that meets the academic, vocational and behavioral transition needs of students who are alternately assessed. Programs are aligned with Sunshine State Standards Access Points at the participatory, supported and independent levels.
Academy for Community Transition (ACT) – Vocational Training & Community-Based Instruction
The School Board of Sarasota County: 7285 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34241
Elizabeth Lewis, Instructor | elizabeth_lewis@sarasota.k12.fl.us
Kelly Tacy, Instructor | kelly_tacy@sarasota.k12.fl.us
ACT integrates transition planning, work experiences, career development, functional academics, communication skills, life and independent living skills, socialization, self-determination and community access in an innovative and individualized program for young adults with intellectual disabilities.
Project SEARCH – AdventHealth | Altamonte Springs, FL and Apopka, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility).
REACH
Siemens Engineering and other host business site dependent upon site availability. REACH is a one-year unpaid internship that works on the development of employability skills. This program can be step before an individual applies for Project SEARCH. Individuals must have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility).
WBLE
Work Based Learning Experiences is a Pre-Employment Transition Service that is conducted in a real work environment in the community. Active participation is driven by hands-on learning. An individual's participation in WBLE is dependent on their school schedule. All participants must be 14 or older.
Wakulla
Legacy Cafe
Belinda McElroy, Executive Director of Student Services | (850) 926-0065 ext. 9909
Provides training opportunities for students with disabilities to develop employable skills through hands on participation in all facets of the food service industry and obtain paid positions.
METRO: Moving Exceptional Students Through Real-Life Opportunities
Our Goal is to provide high school students with disabilities the opportunity to explore jobs or post-secondary education and prepare them for life after high school.? Our transition programs provides students instruction in self-determination, self-advocacy, personal and career planning, legal issues, workplace competencies, post-secondary education, citizenship, community involvement and independent living, but also providing the opportunity for real world experiences in the community.
Project BRIDGE (Building Recreational Independence and Developing Gateways to Employment)
This is a post-secondary transition program for students with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities who have opted to defer their high school diploma. This program provides specialized instruction in the field of marine sciences, boating, and recreation. The program is a collaboration between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Shake-a-Leg Miami that is supported by the Nature Links consortium, a group dedicated to increasing access for all individuals with disabilities to all the recreational environmental experiences that Miami has to offer. This program is individualized for each student in preparation for competitive employment and aligned to their post-secondary goals through their Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Project Bridges to Tomorrow
is a post-secondary Career and Technical Education program for youth with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities who have opted to defer their high school diploma. This program provides students the opportunity to acquire customized occupation-specific skills training in the field of technology education. The program is individualized for each student in preparation for competitive employment and aligned to their post-secondary goals through the Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Project SEARCH – City of Hialeah and City of Miami
Project SEARCH – Miami Zoo | Miami, FL
Project SEARCH is a one-year program designed for students with disabilities who have a goal of employment, have met graduation requirements and are between the ages of 18-21 years of age (preferably nearing the end of their FAPE eligibility). This national model for high school transition and workforce development provides career exploration and training opportunities for young adults with disabilities. Participants learn complex employability and job skills while completing three, ten-week internships within a host business. Individualized job development and placement in competitive employment occurs based on each person's experiences, interests, strengths and skills. Workplace accommodations and on-the-job coaching are provided during and after the program as needed.
Project Victory (Vocational, Instruction, Community, and Training, Opportunities for Youth)
This program is for students with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities. The program has two components: Students in 11th/12th grade participate half-day at a worksite and half-day in the classroom; Students who have opted to defer their high school diploma, participate half-day at a worksite and half-day in the classroom or full day at the worksite. Project VICTORY prepares students for financial, personal, and social independence through work related experiences that cultivate employability skills essential for success in the workplace. Current sites include hospitals, Publix Supermarkets, Miami International Airport, NSPIRE Healthcare, the City of Miami Gardens and the City of Hialeah.
Project STRIVE
This is a post-secondary Career and Technical Education program for youth with mild to moderate cognitive disabilities who have opted to defer their high school diploma. This program provides students the opportunity to further acquire customized occupation-specific skills training in the field of culinary arts. The program is individualized for each student in preparation for competitive employment and aligned to their post-secondary goals through the Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
Supported Employment
This is a program for students with significant cognitive and physical disabilities. The program assist students who are 18-22 years of age, who have opted to defer their high school diploma to obtain and retain competitive employment and to become more independent.
TIES (Transition to Independence, Employment and Success) Program
Anne Marie Thurber | Ann-Marie.Thurber@keysschools.com | (305) 292-7178
Key West High School vocational training program located at Sigbee Naval Base for students ages 18-22. Naval Air Station Key West and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation are partners. Ties Program Celebration 2018 captures a fantastic year in review for the students and what makes the program so special to them.