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The mission of the Student Transition Services Office is to develop and coordinate in collaboration with other constituencies, educational programs and strategies that provide all students with meaningful and seamless school-to-post school outcomes. This would include the delivery of relevant school-based instruction, work-based experience and guidance services that empower all students to successfully enter higher education programs and/or the workforce upon completion of secondary programs. The office is also responsible for developing and maintaining positive relationships with community, business/industry, post secondary, and other appropriate entities resulting in increased opportunities for students to engage in work-related experiences prior to graduation. The Office also coordinates numerous grant-funded programs that benefit participating school districts as well as students attending Eastern Suffolk BOCES programs.
Cooperative Services Model
The Cooperative Services Model is a service provided to assist and enable students with disabilities and other special needs to participate in a meaningful career and technical education and to successfully transition to employment and/or post-secondary education. Major components of this service are vocational assessment (Levels 1, 2, and 3), career information, development of transition goals for IEP input, and other school-to-work transition initiatives. This service provides students, parents, and district personnel with realistic career planning information as well as providing the means for districts to meet current state regulations regarding career education information, vocational assessment and transition planning.
Diversified Cooperative Occupational Education (Co-op) and Work-Based Experience
Cooperative Occupational Education or co-op is a structured educational program approved by the NYS Department of Education integrating classroom learning with paid productive work in the field related to the student's career goals. The student's work experience and technical training at Eastern Suffolk BOCES run concurrently. Co-op is a supervised and individualized program for eligible students. It provides an opportunity for the student to receive on site work experience in their career and technical area. It also enables them to sharpen their skills and prepare for the job market after graduation. This experience is designed to enhance a student's technical, interpersonal and decision-making skills through a supervised work experience. Additional opportunities are also available through special programs funded by the Workforce Investment Act and coordinated with the Suffolk County Department of Labor.
Community Based Training Program
The Community Based Training Program provides secondary students with disabilities an intensive on the job training experience under the supervision of a Work Experience Coordinator and Job Coach. This program is available for all secondary students with a disability in need of intensive one-on-one training in a community and/or work-based setting. Job development, travel training, and Level 3 vocational evaluations are also available components of Community Based Training.
Supported Employment Program
The Supported Employment Program is provided for students with severe or multiple disabilities who are within 18 months of their educational program completion. The program is partially funded by and coordinated with the Vocational Education Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID). Components of the program include job placement, intensive job site training and support with a job coach, ongoing assessment of the individual's performance, and long-term follow-up services geared toward keeping the individual working at a satisfactory level in competitive employment. Many students continue the program as adults, through funding from the Office of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities and Medicaid. Transportation to and from the job site can also be arranged.
Job Placement Services
Job Placement Services disseminate employment information to students and graduates seeking employment in areas related to their career and technical education. The service maintains communication with business and industry to develop and assist in securing positions for students and recent graduates. Follow-up surveys are conducted each year to determine placement rates and job satisfaction. This service boasts a 91% placement rate.
Guidance Counseling
Guidance Counselors are available at all Eastern Suffolk BOCES secondary academic, career and technical education centers. The primary role of the counselor is ensure that the student is placed in the appropriate class and/or program and to work with the student, parent/guardian, and teacher to provide for a successful educational experience that prepares all students to transition to post secondary and/or employment.
Business/Education Partnership Program
The mission of the Business/Education Partnership Program is to provide resources and technical assistance to Long Island school districts to assist in implementing and sustaining a continuum of K-14 programs that prepare all students for future careers.
This program can assist in developing connections with the business community and identifies work-based learning experiences for students. The program provides assistance in accessing the resources necessary to facilitate partnerships, "nuts and bolts" assistance in recruiting businesses and establishing business advisory committees. Orientation and training for business partners is also available. Workshops and direct assistance on implementing the Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) learning standards are conducted upon request as well as career planning strategies.
The Partnership Program maintains a resource library and conducts workshops on career planning, curriculum and other initiatives such as improving workforce preparation through school based, work based and connecting activities. An Annual School-Business Conference is held each year in October. An Awards ceremony recognizing outstanding business partners is held each spring. Information meetings are scheduled three times per school year to review issues related to funding, strategic planning, networking and emerging issues.
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