Q Who is this program for? A For students receiving Special education services. These are students who have an active IEP. Q What is the purpose of the program? A. 1. To provide an array of vocational experiences which lead to long term employment. 2. To develop each student's employability and independent living skills. 3. To develop an appropriate vocational plan for after graduation. Q Are the students guaranteed a paid work site? A No, we can not guarantee a paid site for each student. However we can assist them in obtaining employment. Q What vocational experiences are available? A Below is a description of the various work experiences for students. For 10th grade 1. Unpaid school district work sites a. with a job coach b. without a job coach 2. Paid sites 3. Junior Achievement program 4. Limited STEP classes For 11th and 12th grade 1. Unpaid school district work sites a. with a job coach b. without a job coach 2. Paid sites 3. Career Seminar 3. Junior Achievement program 4. STEP classes (Career Exploration) Here is a further description of each work experience listed above. Unpaid Sites- Students spend 1 or 2 terms at a district site (possibly under the supervision of a job coach) in the morning or afternoon. Some worksite settings include: Food Service, Custodial, Clerical, Print Shop, Mail Room, and Daycare. Areas of focus Basic work habits, following directions, hygiene/grooming, working with others and dealing with constructive criticism. Students are assigned these positions by the work coordinators. For SLD, EBD, OHD, ASD, and DCD students who have not had any work experience. Paid Sites For students who are able to hold a job independently. Typically for students in 11th and 12th grade that come into the program with their own job, or may be assisted by the work coordinators in obtaining employment. Occasionally students in 10th grade enter the program. Supervision is provided by the employer with visits made by the work coordinators. For SLD, EBD, OHD, ASD, and DCD students. Career Seminar For most students who are at paid sites. Class curriculum may include one or more of the following topics: employment soft skills, career exploration, family or personal budgets, safety training. Junior Achievement There are two Junior Achievement(JA) sites Design and Manufacturing and the ABC Gift Store Students at both JA sites are treated as workers in a real work setting. The students receive less than minimum wage for their work because of rules and regulations for the Junior Achievement (JA) program. For 10th*, 11th, and 12th grade SLD, EBD, OHD, ASD, and DCD students. *Each work coordinator may have one 10th grade student in each JA program each term. STEP Students have an opportunity to explore different vocational areas. These introduction classes are held at the STEP program at the Anoka Hennepin Technical College. Current and past experiences include: Auto service, Auto Detailing, Food Service, Welding, Horticulture, Health Careers, Intro to Careers, and Music Technology