District 88 highlights Transition Program

During the Oct. 6 District 88 Board of Education meeting, staff members presented about the District 88 Transition Program.

This program helps individuals ages 18 to 21 who have a variety of abilities learn life skills, obtain job training in a community setting and transition to life after District 88.

The showcase highlighted:

• A video featuring Transition Program students, who shared their experiences and what they’ve learned.
  
  
• Information about COD Connect, which is a course that focuses on executive functioning and social-emotional skills necessary for success in a college environment. It is taught by Connections staff at College of DuPage (COD). COD Connect allows students to have an authentic college experience, while receiving supports that align with their needs.
  
  
• Partnerships with local businesses to provide vocational experiences, which offer students structure and promote dignity, contribution, inclusion, purpose and pride. The Transition Program is always looking to expand and develop more partnerships. For more information, go to www.dupage88.net/TransitionProgram.
  
  
• Details about upcoming Transition family group seminars, which will take place throughout the school year.
  
  
• Information about the Options Fair on Oct. 15, which offers students with special needs and their families an opportunity to learn about postsecondary choices and resources. See details at https://www.dupage88.net/site/page/17067.
  
  
• The Perks & Possibilities Café, which is open from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, inside the Addison Public Library. The café is a result of collaboration and generosity provided by local intergovernmental agencies, businesses and donors. It provides students with the opportunity to develop and practice a variety of proficiencies such as working the cash register/handling money, customer service, inventory, stocking and more.

To watch the presentation, click on the video above. Speakers were Transition Program Department Head Stephanie Nitka and Transition Program teachers Devon Harris, Amanda Wilson and Chris Perkins.