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Uncovering potential
for over 50 years
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A southern California
school and therapy
center for students, ages
six months to 21 years,
who have special needs
in the areas of language,
learning and behavior, as
well as typical peer models
through Grade Six.
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Eric Program
High School/Transition Program
Program
Description |
The High School and Transition programs provide daily educational services to Special Education students whose needs cannot be met within public school programs. The goal of the program is to provide intensive educational instruction to the extent that students are able to return to, and benefit from, their local district programs, apply to 2 or 4 year college programs, or move to some level of a work/day program.
Classrooms are staffed by appropriately credentialed special education teachers as well as qualified full-time para-professionals and job coaches. Progress reports based on goals and objectives are typically completed quarterly.
The following comparison indicates the primary differences between the High School and Transition programs:
High School
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Transition
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| Serves ages 14 – 18 years |
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Serves ages 18-21 years |
| Campus is primary learning environment with trips into the community |
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Community is primary learning environment |
| On-campus job training |
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On and off-campus training |
| Paid with gift cards (WorkabilityI) |
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Paid with paychecks (WorkAbilityI) |
| Vocational Educational classes |
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Vocational activities in community |
| High School diploma classes |
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Assistance in passing GED |
| Follows California State Standards |
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Career assessments; job search skills; employment applications; mobility training; ROP; Cypress College |
| Academics per IEP |
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Academics per IEP |
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| Disabilities Served |
Students in the Eric program have a variety of educational classifications. These classifications can include: Autism (AUT), Specific Learning Disability (SLD), Speech and Language Impairment (SLI), Mental Retardation (MR), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Multiple Handicaps (MH).
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Referrals/
Funding |
Students in the Eric program are referred and funded by their local school district. Although other professionals or agencies may refer to the program, it is the school district that authorizes and funds the program through the IEP process. Acceptance into the program follows a review of the IEP, a meeting with the prospective student and parents and a visit in the classroom setting. The district funding covers all costs of the daily program and designated instructional services with the exception of school lunches, field trips or other program components outside of the IEP. In the Transition program additional funding is provided through a WorkAbility 1 grant. Parents of potential students who have not been referred by their school district can visit the program on a general tour day, held monthly. |
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Classroom
Size/Adult to
Student Ratio |
A typical classroom can serve up to 12 students, however final classroom size is determined by the intensity of student needs. The adult/student ratio is no more than 3:1 and often includes 1:1 support. Individual student support is based on needs identified in the IEP and is a part of the student contract.
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Curriculum/
Services
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The curriculum in the Eric program is based on California State Standards utilizing text books identified by the local school district. The curriculum for many students is modified based on the SEACO (Special Educators of County Offices) Guide, CARS (California Association of Resource Specialists), and Basics 2. All of these curriculum guides follow California State Standards strands.
Students whose IEP’s culminate in a diploma follow their school district’s course of study and they can earn the required number of credits for graduation. A variety of specialized techniques and approaches are utilized based on the individual needs of the student (Touch Math, Language! reading program, Handwriting Without Tears, etc.).
The program is part of a WorkAbilty1 grant that provides funding for job coaches and student paychecks. Parents/guardians are assisted in the necessary processes for obtaining SSI, California ID’s, and reduced fare bus transportation. Informative meetings are held to discuss issues such as conservatorships, after-graduation programs, etc. Typical High School activities such as graduation and proms are integrated into the program design.
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Related
and Ancillary Services
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Along with the incorporation of State content standards in all academic areas and individual services defined on specific IEP’s, the High School/Transition program offers the following program or activity components:
- Social Skills program
- Computer lab
- Handwriting Without Tears led by Occupational Therapist
- Occupational Therapist consult
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FM sound field systems have been installed in some classrooms, with portable units available as needed, to assist in attending to classroom instruction.
Trips into the community occur regularly in order to teach basic safety rules, access community resources and reinforce classroom instruction. Additionally, monthly assemblies provide exposure to a variety of media to enhance educational experiences
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Mandated
State
Testing |
Testing requirements are specified in the IEP from the Second Grade through the Eleventh Grade. All Eric students are tested utilizing the appropriate California State Test provided by their local school district. Testing is conducted using the California State Test (CST) or CAPA (California Alternative Performance Assessment). High School students who are on a graduation track also take the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). Tests are administered by SLDC staff during the specified testing periods. Test scoring is done at the State Department of Education with results provided to parents/guardians by the school districts.
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Lunch
Program/
Dietary
Needs
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Lunches can be provided through the Hot Lunch program provided by the Centralia School District. We participate in the National Free/Reduced Price program and provide the necessary paperwork to parents/guardians. Special dietary needs can be accommodated but require that parents provide the food. Students in the High School/Transition program are eligible for off-campus permits that allow them to go to local fast food restaurants during their lunch time. Parents/guardians must provide permission for these permits.
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School
Calendar/
Hours
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Daily school hours are 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. during the 180 day regular school year and 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the 24 day extended school year. The program follows a traditional school year and does not have shortened or minimum school days. Several teacher in-service days are specified on every school calendar.
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