ICCSD Work Experience
IA-Center for Disabilities and Development, UCEDD/LEND | |||
Program Type | UCEDD | Fiscal Year | 2020 |
Contact | Judith Warth, BBA | ||
[email protected] | |||
Phone | 319-936-8290 | ||
Project Description | |||
Iowa City Community School District Work Experience/Career Connections Studies show that youth who have work experiences while in high school are more likely to be employed as adults (Carter, et al, Journal of Disability Policy Studies 2012). Students who participate in occupational education and special education in integrated settings are more likely to be competitively employed than students who have not participated in such activities (Blackorby & Wagner, 1996; Colley & Jamison, 1998; Luecking & Fabian, 2000; Rogan, 1997). Therefore assisting school districts in developing, implementing and evaluating work experience programs is critical in developing good practice and policy. This grassroots contract provides support for the work experience program as well as provides the direct services for 4+ programming called Career Connections. SERVICES PROVIDED: A. CONSULTATION AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE: Support Work Experience Team in: Educating students, teachers and families beginning at age 14 through 21 about the importance of working. Planning new services and service strategies. Problem-solving and strategizing for individual students. Assisting to develop and revise program structure and infrastructure. Assisting in data collection and program review. Partner with other school district staff to create new opportunities for youth employment services including Making The Grade Grant, 4+ Programming, and other opportunities that may arise. Partner with ICCSD teachers and staff in piloting class structures and programs within theschools Partner with ICCSD Leadership in meeting with potential new partners to explore other funding and programmatic opportunities (e.g. IVRS, juvenile corrections, foster care, and home schooled students). Provide support in training paraprofessionals and teachers regarding job coaching, systematic instruction: and other topics as requested. Attend Student/Staff/Committee meetings as needed/appropriate. Provide support to the Special Education Advisory Committee B. WORK EXPERIENCE FUCNTIONS: Help to implement the Work Experience Administrative Task List Support the scheduling of worksites and development of new worksites based upon student needs. Provide job coaching fill-in and assessment to compliment the work of paraprofessionals. Support paraprofessionals who are doing job coach activities by offering feedback and problem-solving assistance. C. DIRECT SERVICE FUNCTIONS: Provide evaluation of work behaviors and skills and counseling to a caseload of individuals transitioning from school to work. (4+ programming) Conduct career planning/assessment for students and provide counseling on options. Partner with teachers to develop IEPs for students on caseload. Develop job shadow, internship and employment sites for student in the Career Connections program and Work Experience Program. Provide job coaching to Career Connections students at internship and employment sites. Link students with other appropriate services including IVRS, county services, mental health and other social services as appropriate. Compile and summarize outcome data. |