Career Readiness

The Department for Exceptional Children offers four unique programs that enhance a student’s high school and transition program experiences. Each of these are half-day programs that are available to students who are in BOCES 2 School Age programs or students who attend school within their home district setting. Collectively, these programs help students build the transferable skills, self-awareness, independence and self-advocacy that will help to facilitate post-secondary success in work, home and community settings. 

These programs include three special education classroom settings as well as the Work-Based Learning Program.

Program in which students with disabilities (ages 14-22) participate in classroom and community-based instruction, and hands-on learning experiences to develop transition-related skills in a wide range of areas including daily living, work, learning, leisure, community navigation, self-management, and safety. Course objectives are aligned to entry-level expectations for future school or adult programs such as Work-Based Learning, Day Habilitation and Pre-Vocational Services. 

The physical space includes a classroom, office spaces, a living room, laundry area and kitchen, all modified to support a variety of accessibility and learning needs. Students attend either a morning or afternoon session, five days per week, combined with a classroom placement either within BOCES 2 or the student’s home district.

Program in which students with disabilities (ages 14-22) participate in classroom and community-based instruction, and hands-on learning experiences to build on foundational abilities and continue developing transition-related skills (daily living, work, learning, leisure, community navigation, self-management and safety). Course objectives have an increased focus on work-readiness and are aligned with preparing students for entry-level school or community work programs such as Work-Based Learning, Community-Based Pre-Vocational Services or Supported Employment. Students are also provided opportunities to develop trade-specific skills in the areas of food service, clerical work, landscaping and cleaning. 

This program utilizes a co-teaching model with a special education teacher, and career and technical education teacher, as well as embedded supports, so that students are given access to CTE while provided structure and accommodations to meet their unique psychiatric, social, and emotional challenges and needs. Students attend either a morning or afternoon session, five days per week, combined with a classroom placement either within BOCES 2 or the student’s home district. Students will have the opportunity to obtain CTE and Work-Based Learning Hours.

A program in which students with disabilities (ages 14-22) are provided instruction and hands-on/project-based learning experiences to develop both transferable and technical skills related to a variety of career areas. This program utilizes a co-teaching model with a special education teacher and career and technical education teacher, as well as embedded supports, so that students are given access to CTE opportunities while provided with structure and accommodations to meet their unique psychiatric, social and emotional challenges and needs. 

Students participate in two, 80-minute courses, which combine to create half-day (morning or afternoon) sessions that are combined with classroom placement within BOCES 2 or students' home districts. The two courses, Intro to Carpentry and Skilled Trades and Intro to Culinary and Business Exploration, are aligned with entry-level expectations of school-aged and post-secondary work-related education programs such as CTE or Workforce Development programs. Objectives also focus on foundational knowledge of life skills related to being a working professional. Students will have the opportunity to earn course credit, and both CTE and Work-Based Learning Hours.

This is an unpaid work experience that provides opportunities for students to discover career interests and aptitudes. Student trainees learn about themselves, their capabilities and the world of work. They can receive school credits and/or the necessary hours towards the CDOS credential. Work experiences are provided in a variety of community and educational settings. Students in WBL also participate in the Career Skills Center a minimum of one time per week, which focuses on universal work-readiness skills. The Career Exploration Center is a short-term support which provides a five-day-per-week placement to prepare students for entry into the WBL program, or for re-entry when skills need to be reviewed and practiced.

Contact:
David Liesegang
Special Education Supervisor
Phone: (585) 617-2539

Cell: (585) 481-1008 (call or text)

Secretary: (585) 617-2540

[email protected]