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Career and Community Exploration (CCE)

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) acknowledges and supports the rights of all students to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE). It is our goal to foster the development of students’ unique talents and abilities so they can meaningfully contribute to their community with dignity and pride. We offer a continuum of services and programs to provide student-centered transition planning.

Upon turning 14

Transition pages are required in the Individual Education Program (IEP). Transition will be discussed at annual review meetings.

Ages 16 through 21

Student can engage in work experiences and transition activities.

Upon Exiting School

The IEP team reviews and hands over the exit document for students to use as they move into adult life.

View the full timeline and all student/parent responsibilities

The Initial IEP Process

Post secondary goals are set during the year a student reaches the age of 14. At each annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) meeting, the team discusses the student’s post secondary goals. Additionally, the school’s Instructional Team Leader (ITL) will distribute to parents the “Transition Planning Guide,” which is a valuable resource for post-high school planning

Who to work with

Every high school has a Transition Specialist, who will coordinate referrals, when appropriate. Referral documents are available in the student’s Transition Folder. The Specialist will share information about services and funding sources that, if eligible, families may access. Each funding source has its own criteria for determining eligibility.

These sources are, but are not limited to:

  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • DDA (Developmental Disabilities Administration)
  • DORS (Division of Rehabilitation Services)

Upon Exiting School

The Summary of Performance provides students with their IEP’s important information that they may use as they transition from school to adult services. The Summary of Performance will be useful to the students as they go through the disability determination process at college, postsecondary education, employment services, independent living services, and adult service agencies.

The United States Congress reauthorized the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004 (IDEIA). According to IDEA 2004, when a student graduates or ages out of special education, local school districts must provide this student with a summary of his or her academic achievement and functioning performance. The summary focuses not only on the student’s performance, but also on what services or accommodations have (or have not) worked for the student.

Training and Transition Experiences

Customized employment is a process designed to personalize the relationship between a job candidate and an employer. It is based on a match between the strengths, conditions, and interests of a job candidate and the business needs of an employer. Customized Employment utilizes an individualized approach to employment planning and job development.

Training and transition experiences are available through participation in individualized programs. These programs cater to a wide variety of student ability levels, age groups, and interests. Each program is available for eligible students during their academic careers at HCPSS and provides valuable opportunities to build skillsets in self-advocacy, employer relationships, and financial literacy.

Contact

410-313-5640