What is the North Branford Transition Program?
The North Branford Transition Program serves as a bridge between high school and employment or higher education by involving students with intellectual or other challenges who have met all of their high school credit requirements in a variety of education, vocational, social, recreational, and independent living activities.
When was the North Branford Transition Program established?
The North Branford Transition Program (previously called the “School to Work” Program) was established in 2008 and became a full-time program in 2013.
Where is the School to Work Program located?
The Augur House
298 Forest Road
Northford, CT 06472
What services are included in this program?
The North Branford Transition Program provides transition-only services which are a coordinated set of individualized activities prescribed by the student’s IEP. Transition services are based in the local community and may include academic, vocational, independent living, and recreational activities designed to help students meet their postsecondary goals. The North Branford Transition Program is staffed with a Special Education teacher and job coaches to support specialized instruction in the area of postsecondary transition and vocational training. Social skills support and instruction is provided by a district Speech Language Pathologist and School Social Worker as appropriate when prescribed by the student’s IEP.
Does this program have a cost?
There is no cost to attend the North Branford Transition Program. According to the Transition Bill of Rights, students with an IEP have the right to receive appropriate individualized education services through the end of the school year in which they turn 22 OR until graduation with a traditional high school diploma.
How do students enroll in the North Branford Transition Program?
Students enroll in the program after the last semester of their senior year in high school. Students enroll as a result of a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) decision. By enrolling in the program, students delay receiving their diploma until they graduate from the North Branford Transition Program. Students will still participate in their high school graduation ceremony. They will receive a certificate of completion, which looks exactly like the diploma.
Do students need to attend all 4 years of the program, for all 5 days?
No. The program is individualized to meet students’ needs. The student's PPT will work together to design a program that best serves each student. This allows for students to attend part-time and for as many years up to the age of 22 as needed.
What are the North Branford Transition Program hours?
Students arrive at 8:00 a.m. and leave at 2:30 p.m. On half days, students leave at 12:00 p.m.
Do students still have annual PPTs in the North Branford Transition Program?
Yes. The school district will continue to update progress, create IEPs, hold PPTs annually, and conduct eligibility evaluations just as they have throughout their school career.
Is lunch served at the North Branford Transition Program?
No. Students must bring their own lunches. At times, students may make lunch or buy lunch as part of their lesson, but parents will be notified ahead of time in these instances.
Are students still offered transportation to and from school?
Yes.
When do students go out in the community?
Students go out in the community from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. daily
Is an Extended School Year (ESY) still offered as part of the School to Work Program?
Yes.
What does Extended School Year (ESY) look like at the North Branford Transition Program?
Typically, it is four weeks during the summer, five days each week. Three days a week, the students will go out into the community with a staff member for 2 hours. The other two days, students will be in a classroom, completing tasks related to their IEPs.
What businesses can participate in a vocational partnership?
Any! We are open to partnering with local businesses interested in being involved. If your business is interested in this partnership, you can contact the Transition Coordinator:
Lea Pierson, Transition Coordinator