This classroom-based course includes career exploration and development of soft skills (interpersonal communication, on the job etiquette, behavior expectations, using public transportation, etc.) and work readiness skills. Students will also experience job shadowing, volunteer work, and on-campus work on a limited basis. Some field trips will be planned to visit a variety of work sites.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASS

• 9th-12th (grade level school specific)

• CPS student receiving special education

• Post-secondary goal of employment

• Possess the ability to achieve independent work skills

• Recommendation of current teacher

This course includes both classroom and on-the-job instruction at volunteer work sites. This class is designed for students who can benefit from hands-on supervised job skill training, combined with classroom instruction in work place behavior and requirements.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE CLASS

• CPS Student receiving special education services

• Pre-requisite: Work Exploration

• Post-Secondary goal of employment

• Possess the ability to achieve independent work skills

• Recommendation of current teacher

School Based Enterprise (SBE) focuses on creating learning opportunities in the businesses setting. Students in the SBE will learn the basics of operating a small business and the benefits of filling a need within the school setting. SBE’s strive to educate students about the main areas of a business as well as soft skills needed for successful competitive employment.

• High School: Students enrolled in Work Block participate in School Enterprises

• Middle School: Enterprises are emerging and developing within various middle schools and are specific to each building

STEP: Seamless Transition through Enhanced Partnership

This class is located full time at Boone hospital. It is designed for students to have hands on job skills experience that will help them transition from student to employee after graduation

Eligibility Criteria:

• 12th grade program

• CPS student receiving special education services

• Post-secondary goal of employment

• With support, can be competitively employed by the end of the one year program

• Recommendation of current teacher

• Interview with STEP support team members

• Pass a background check and drug test

• Agencies involved: VR, ACT, BCFR, CMRO

WISE: Work Experience Intergenerational program for Skills & Enrichment

This program is located at the Neighborhoods by Tiger Place. The program helps students gain experience within various departments and provides job opportunities throughout the year

• 12th grade program

• Rock Bridge & Battle High School students

• Post-secondary goal of employment

• Possess independent work skills

• Recommendation of current teacher

• Students rotate through departments every 6 weeks

Hickman High School Hospital Program

This program is located at University Hospital Health Care Center. This class is designed to provide students the opportunity to develop career awareness, exploration, assessment, and productive social skills training necessary for successful integration into the world of work and society.

• 11th-12th grade program

• Hickman High School student receiving special education services

• Post-secondary goal of employment

• Possess independent work skills

• Recommendation of current teacher

• Pass a background check and drug test

• Agencies Involved: VR, Service Providers

Columbia Public School Internships

These internships are located within Columbia Public Schools.

The program is designed to teach CPS student the skills necessary to gain competitive employment while providing them with the opportunity to apply these skills in an authentic work setting.

• 12th grade program

• CPS student receiving special education services

• Post-secondary goal of employment

• Possess independent work skills

• Recommendation of current teacher

• Must be able to provide their own transportation

• Complete application and interview

Co-op is a partnership with local businesses to provide eligible students learning opportunities and hands-on experience as they transition into the work force. The program links high school Missouri Learning Standards with student career interests, and labor market needs. Students will earn work study credit (150 hours = .5 elective credit, 300 hours = 1 elective credit) based upon the number of hours they work and will receive at least minimum wage.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROGRAM

• At least 16 years of age

• CPS student receiving special education services

• Determined eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation services (VR)

• In the process of developing an employment goal as specified through an Individual Plan for Employment (IPE)

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