Next Step Curriculum
Program Goals
- Maximizing independence in life skills
- Vocational training in the community
- Social skills development
- Practical application of academics
- Developing fitness and leisure skills
Sequence of Program
Year 1 (18 years +)
Assess individual strengths in functional academics, life skills and vocational exploration at group job sites.
Year 2 (19 years+)
Participate in functional academics and life skills. Apply previously learned academic skills in a functional way. This may include utilizing the calculator in a cell phone. Continue vocational exploration participation at group job sites to establish job preferences.
Year 3 (20 years+)
Participate in functional academics, life skills. Student’s area of vocational interest is targeted. Time at preferred job site is increased. Begin travel training, if appropriate and necessary.
Year 4 (21 years+)
Target individual’s areas of major need. Travel training and job coaching as needed. Potentially working as many days as possible at an individual job. Working toward established natural supports. Assisting with the transition to adult services.
Entrance Criteria
- Must have district approval
- Minimum of 18 years old
- Diagnosis of mental retardation
Vocational Experiences
Current job sites include:
- Gordon Florist, Ipswich
- Chick’s Roast Beef, Ipswich
- Thrifty Threads, Salisbury
- Hair Crafters, Ipswich
- Ipswich Town Hall
- Ipswich Library
- Anna Jaques Hospital, Newburyport
Program-based work activities:
- Collating
- Mailings
- Book Binding
- Packaging
Life Skills Strengthened:
- Money skills and management
- Cooking
- Shopping
- Community Safety Skills
- Laundry
Please see staff page for additional services and staffing information.
Page Last modified: January 22 2010 23:32:56.