Pathways after RHS

Who are we?

Alex Roberts:

Ridgewood High School Counselor

• Tasked with gaining knowledge and information about postsecondary options for students who may require a variety of support services after high school
• Will share information and provide consultation to all RHS School Counselors who will work with students and families to come up with an appropropriate after high school plan for each student

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Michael Kilcullen:

Ridgewood Transition Coordinator

• Connecting students and families with resources and supports for life after graduation
• Creating opportunities for students to develop skills, self awareness, and establish strengths & preferences
• Collaborating with students, families, and IEP team to explore options and set goals

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Current Goals: Counseling Side

• Meet with college support service directors and staff
• Attend in person and virtual college, trade school, and employment program visits
• Consult with other high schools in the area
• Speak to graduates about their experience at specific institutions
• Build a database of information that counselors can utilize to help their caseload
• Collaborate with LSHSA President and parents

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Goals: Transition Side

Organize presentations and Q&A sessions with

• Transition service providers (DVRS, DDD, Support Coordinators, etc.)
• Job training program and other representatives

Provide information on transition services and postsecondary options for CST, Guidance, students and families

Attend / announce upcoming events for postsecondary exploration - transition fairs, program tours, etc. (Transition Expo 4/22, Transition Fair 5/11)

Provide students with opportunities that prepare them for employment and other postsecondary options

Assist with postsecondary exploration - program tours / open houses

Collaborate with IEP team, students & families - creating transition goals

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Utilize your team

Every student has a unique group of people supporting them throughout their educational journey at RHS

• Assigned Case Manager
• Assigned School Counselor
• Transition Coordinator
• Grade Advisor
• Teachers
• Support Staff

Encourage your child to get to know their team. These are the people who will be able to help identify strengths, interests, and potential options for their future…the goal is to find the perfect fit for each and every student

At Ridgewood High School

• Sophomore Focus
• Junior Conferences
• Senior Focus
• You can request a meeting with your child’s counselor at any time! It’s never too early to build a rapport
• Counselor/CST/Transition Coordinator Collaboration

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Needs and supports can change from elementary school to high school

• Take note of strengths, weaknesses, and interests
• What supports does your child utilize, what are non-negotiables for their future?
• Determining options for the future are very specific to each and every student
• Continue to work with your team and collect information

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Options for after high school depend on

• Level of independence
• Level and types of support needed
• Learning style
• Environmental preferences
• Career goals

**The goal is to find something that is a good fit for your child **

Preparation and Planning

• Transition planning in IEP: use documented information for development of specific & measurable post-secondary goals
• Students strengthen self advocacy: attend IEP meetings / planning and communicate needs / preferences
• Participate in activities in / out of school: social events, clubs, electives, increased and added responsibilities while fading support
• Transition Assessments: self awareness, skill assessment, career and college exploration
• Work Based Learning: In school & community internships, volunteering, resume writing, interview skills
• Consider student strengths, needs and goals when exploring options: transition fairs, career and college fairs, tours, presentations

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Secure Needed & Appropriate Services

• At 18: SSI Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid
• Guardianship or alternatives
• DVRS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services
• DDD Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
• Select a Support Coordination Agency (guides use of DDD budget/services)
• Transportation (NJ TIP transportation training, Access Link, etc.)

Easing the Transition Process

High School

Structured Time

All classes back to back in one building

IEP and ongoing documentation

Accommodations are determined and provided for you

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College

You must request help and seek accommodations

Navigating the campus

Accommodations vary

Manage downtime

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• Visit Office of Specialized Services to help determine if the school is a good fit
• Gaining Exposure: at BCC, students can take up to 11 credits as a non-degree seeking student

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BCC Course - Success 101: Helps students develop organizational skills and awareness of expectations at college

Supported Employment & Vocational Training

DVRS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services

• Career Counseling
• Job Placement and Limited Coaching (Supported Employment)
• Vocational Evaluation
• Benefits Counseling
• May help with college/program expenses

DDD (Division of Developmental Disabilities) also provides employment services and Employment Programs

Example: Bergen Project Search - Job Training Program

1 year program of intensive hands-on job training through a series of unpaid internships

• Students: 18 to 21 (w/ an IEP) with completed credit requirements for graduation entering their last year of high school / high school eligibility OR
• Adults 18 to 30 with a documented disability who have exhausted educational entitlements; beyond high school eligibility

DDD Division of Developmental Disabilities (21+ )

• Students 21+ who meet the functional criteria of having a developmental disability (with Medicaid) are eligible for services from DDD
• DDD promotes a person centered planning process and provides services for individuals with I/DD to explore interests, skills, and goals for employment

Employment services from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (DVRS) must be accessed before using DDD funded employment services.

• When determined eligible for DDD, A Support Coordinator is used to help individuals utilize their budget for services, including employment

Some examples include:

Job Training, Supported Employment

College programs for special needs

21+ Program settings that provide employment

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Some options include, but are not limited to

• 4 year college
• Basic accommodations
• First year support services
• Structured support services
• Colleges exclusively for students with disabilities
• 2 year community college
• College Programs for students with I/DD
• Career and Technical Education
• 21+ Programs for Employment & Training

Important Note about Most Colleges

• While there are different types of college programs and levels of support, the accommodations available in college are very different than what is available in high school
• IEPs do not exist in college - they turn into 504s
• Accommodations must be renewed at the start of each semester at many institutions
• Important to make sure that the college/program has the support your child will require
• Much of the support is student driven

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Google Form

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What do you want to know?!

How can we help?!

Online Resources:

• NJ DOE Transition Toolkit
• ThinkCollege.net
• Ridgewood Transition Info & Resources site
• SPAN (Parent Advocacy Network) Inclusive Higher Education Programs & Post Secondary Education Options
• Rutgers Boggs Center: Guide to Selecting a Post Secondary Program
• NJ Arc: College Programs for Students with Special Needs & Scholarship Opportunities
• Bergen Community College: Office of Specialized Services & Accommodations Process
• 21+ Programs List and Contact Information

*More resources will be available at a later time*

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