What pre-employment/employment opportunities are available?
Beginning at age 14 the student’s IEP should include the classes or experiences the student will need in order to advance toward his/her transition goals. At this age it may not be clear what the employment goal for the student is. However, there are general work requirements that should be a part of the student’s plan for transition. These could be learning to focus on the task, asking for assistance when needed, learning to tell time, count money, ride a bus, as well as increasing the student’s time on a task, speed of work, etc. Some of these skills can begin within the school setting or, in some cases, the student’s entire class may go to a jobsite for a few hours a week. At age 16 – 18 the student should be referred to DVR for eligibility and an assessment to see what skills and interests are the strongest for the student. At least by age 18 the student should have begun some job trials or situational assessments in real job environments to see what works. Q: I need support at IEP
