By participating in this program, students
learn the expectations of being on the job,
such as being on time, following the dress
code and being organized. They are also
required to “call in sick or late” when they are
going to be out.
Our Transitions students also learn the soft
skills of employment, including customer
service, using appropriate language, how to
communicate with colleagues and how to
take constructive evaluations. Additionally,
students are given the opportunity to be team
leaders for the day, allowing them to learn
what it means to coach rather than boss their
fellow team leaders.
In order to be eligible for and remain in the
program, students are expected to maintain
their grades and communicate directly
with their teachers regarding grades and
attendance.
For our students who are college bound,
Transitions classes are still a requirement
for at least one year. Students who will be
attending a postsecondary institution are
grouped together in classes with lessons
that are high in expectations and rigor so
they have the academic skills needed to be
successful. As part of their transition classes,
they also prepare for SAT and ACT testing,
tour colleges, and explore careers. Our college
bound students are also prepared for the
social expectations of college life through
social skills training classes and field trips to
places and events that are geared for young
adults (coffee shops to do schoolwork,
arranging weekend trips to a local event, etc.).
We’ve found that with plenty of practice, our
students are able to adjust to college life with
little to no support.
Our students who are heading to college
graduate when they have completed required
courses and show the emotional readiness
to begin college. Students who are moving
toward a different journey, such as tech
school, competitive employment or supported
employment have the opportunity to stay
with Arbor School until their 22nd birthday.
This gives them time to continue to learn
and progress toward independent living and
getting a job.
Graduation happens differently for each of
our students. But, with the ability to digitally
collaborate and track student records, we
know exactly how to help every individual get
to where they need to be.
The Arbor School of Central Florida offers
a sensory-based curriculum ideal for children
with high functioning Autism, Dyslexia,
Down Syndrome, Asperger’s Syndrome,
SLD and other Learning Disabilities. Visit
arborschoolflorida.com or call (407) 388-1808
to learn more.
Orlando Traditional — Summer/Fall 2020 15
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