High School Transition Services

Graduation is a crucial juncture in every student’s life. Cascade’s Transition Services help to assemble the building blocks necessary for success, preparing our participants for a positive employment experience and more independent existence.  Students work one-on-one with a job coach, typically in an integrated setting, off campus, developing strategies that will help them succeed in their designated vocational field.

At Cascade, we currently provide two services for high school students who are ready to begin their journey to employment: Job Foundations and Pre-Employment Transition Services.

Job Foundations

The job foundation pilot program provides more employment support at an earlier age to help high school transition students leave school with a job at 21. This is made possible through a partnership between school districts, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), County Developmental Disabilities, employment providers, and others.

Key Benefits

Job Foundation Report

Eligible students will connect with DDA contracted employment providers, with the support of their teacher, to discover skills, abilities, interests and support needs at an earlier age, increasing their chances of leaving school with a job.

Expertise & Supports

Participants will have access to employment experts and supports, such as assistive technology or technical assistance to help create improved job outcomes for people with higher support needs.

Value-Based Projects

Everyone has the opportunity to receive Job Foundations. An extra emphasis is placed on increased job placement and jobs that provide 10 or more hours per week of paid employment for students who need a higher level of support.

Partnerships that Increase Results

Improved coordination between a variety of partners maximizes the specialties of each partner, and provides continuity across service systems as the student prepares to exit the school.

How it Works

1. Job Foundation

Age 19-20 or second to last year of school

Student completes job foundation report with a qualified provider.

2. Job Development & Placement

Age 20-21 or final year of school

Student is referred to DVR. DVR commits to opening plans in the fall of their final year. Ideally, job placement will occur by June.

3. Stabilization

Age 21-22, by June

Job stabilization and coordination of long-term employment services.

Eligibility

DDA eligible clients, age 19-22, enrolled in high school within a county that is participating in this project.

Pre-Employment Transition Services

What are pre-ets?

Our Pre-ETS are a coordinated set of activities, designed with an outcome-oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities organized in collaboration with local school staff. They are available to enhance and support secondary education transition planning, not replace or supplant transition requirements.

These services are intended to work toward alignment of the student’s IEP and/or High School and Beyond Plan goals. They are coordinated activities based upon the individual student’s needs, taking into account their skills, abilities, preferences and interests.

Pre-ETS must be provided on the basis of individual need and support the student’s informed choice for participation.

Who is eligible?

Pre-ETS are available to:

  • Students enrolled in secondary, post-secondary or other recognized education program
  • Students who are typically ages 16-21
  • Students who have an IEP, a 504 plan, or a documented disability

What Pre-ETS services are available?

Job Exploration

Students explore the world of work and learn more about their interests, abilities and future goals.

Self-Advocacy

Students develop the skills necessary to flourish in work and everyday life.

Work-Based Learning

Students have the opportunity to gain work experience prior to graduation.

Workplace Readiness Training

Students learn what it takes to work in the real world, including job-related independent living skills.

Post-Secondary Education Counseling

Students receive guidance on how to gain education and/or technical training past high school.