Collingswood High School
18-21 Program
Introducing the 18-21 Collingswood School to Work Transition Program for the 2016-2017 School Year:
The Collingswood School to Work Transition (CSWT) Program is designed for special education students who, as they reach the end of their four-year high school experience, continue to need additional support to complete their transition from school to work. The CSWT program offers students the opportunity to fully transition into the community as aware citizens, able to obtain and retain employment, develop and sustain a full social life, and contribute to their community as responsible citizens.
The CSWT program is a crucial step for many special needs students who require additional support and training to assure successful transitions into adulthood. Skill acquisition goals will be developed and include learning specific job skills, social involvement and self advocacy skills, and independent living skills. Students will learn to accept responsibility for themselves, develop supportive networks, and expand their awareness of social opportunities and community activities.
The CSWT program will require students to attend school for 2 hours each day, where they will work in groups to discuss transition concerns, problem-solve strategies and support each other in achieving individual goals. Initially, students will be required to demonstrate a series of minimum-skill sets across a variety of virtual employment situations, by engaging in a variety of on campus training opportunities. These training situations set the stage for students' successful placement in the community as volunteers and/or actual employment sites, based on each student's interest and demonstrated abilities. Simultaneously, students will investigate social opportunities, local community activities, and self-advocacy skills. The CSWT program will also encourage students to consider their desired lifestyle, adult responsibilities, and how to plan for a fulfilling meaningful vocational and social experience.
The CSWT Program is a 3-year program, where students progress through various units of study, largely depending on the individual needs of each student at the time. The goal of the CSWT program is to guide each student towards reaching his/her highest achievable level of independent living, obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment, and securing social and emotional community networks which foster a sense of belonging.
Community Involvement and Social Belonging
Additionally, students gain work experience within community businesses, as they explore how various aspects of the community engage with each other. Developing an understanding of the various components of a community helps students identify various organizations and activities they wish to support and/or join. Each student takes responsibility to determine how they will approach physical fitness and health. Opportunities to fulfill PE requirements through regular visits to Vitality Fitness is an example of such options.
And as part of social-belonging all students learn how to responsibly interact with social media. Through these opportunities, all students are afforded the opportunity to engage within a local community, in a responsible and healthy manner, while demonstrating the ability to be a strong, respectful, self-advocate.
Transportation and Job Coaching
Transportation
Job Coaches
Student Growth Assessment
Task Analysis
AFLS
Some of our School Based Enterprise Opportunities
Panther Printing and Office Skills
School Store and Customer Service Skills
Greenhouse and Agricultural Production Services
Panther Suds
New commercial sized washer and dryers have been installed for our CWST Program. The students have laundered items for the Physical Education Department and are seeking opportunities to help with laundry needs within the school. Beginning in September, we will begin offering laundry services to staff and the community for a minimal fee.
Buildings & Grounds
Greenhouse Grounds Cafe
Our cafe provides CWST students with the hands on experiences needed to demonstrate the ability to successfully hold a job as a server in a local restaurant. The expectation is the students will become highly marketable in our local dining community. Daily responsibilities include custodial jobs such as cleaning the carafes, counter, sweeping, and mopping. During operating hours, the students will ensure all supplies are stocked. They will take orders and payment as well as assist with serving.
Colingswood High School
Email: mdagostino@collsk12.org
Website: http://hs.collingswood.k12.nj.us/index.jsp
Location: 424 Collings Avenue
Phone: 856-962-5702