Ocean County residents eligible for the Adult Special Needs Program must meet three criteria: 1. Classified for Special Education while in school.
2. Not currently receiving education services. Both graduates and dropouts are considered.
3. Previously enrolled in the Ocean County Vocational Technical School Program.

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The Ocean County Vocational Technical School provides excellence in training for special needs children in Ocean County. We provide hands-on learning through skills training, job shadowing/internships, Cooperative Education and vocational exploration.

The Ocean County Vocational Technical School has six centers located throughout Ocean County. Classified students may apply for vocational technical training in the special needs program once they have entered eighth grade. All applications are made through the home school's child study team or guidance department. Special needs students are eligible to participate in the Employment Orientation Program during grades 9-12.

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The Evaluation Unit is a work-oriented environment designed to help students in grades 8-12 make a sound vocational selection by exploring the world of work relative to definite vocational areas, determining general areas of vocational interest and aptitudes, and identifying an appropriate vocational program for the student in the least restrictive environment.

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All applications for vocational evaluation are made to the Office of Special Services. The student must be classified. The proper application form is completed by the parent/guardian and the designated person at the home school and is forwarded to the Office of Special Services with all necessary data.

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Upon completion of the Vocational Assessment Program, a special needs student may be recommended for the Employment Orientation Program. (The term "special needs" refers to those students that have been classified by a child study team at their home school.) Classified students often have disabilities that prevent them from succeeding in vocational programs designed for non-handicapped individuals; therefore, our Employment Orientation Programs offer a variety of trade areas designed for the special needs student's success.

The Employment Orientation Program also provides services to a majority of students with handicaps recognized by the New Jersey State Department of Education.

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Students in the Employment Orientation Program who exhibit strong interests and competencies in a specific vocational area may be placed in a regular vocational program. The mainstreaming of special needs students from the Employment Orientation Program follows a carefully planned sequence to insure that the student is appropriately placed. Once a student placement has been made, continual follow-ups are conducted to insure that the student is progressing satisfactorily.

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Public Law 101-476 (IDEA) Section 602 paragraph 19 states: “The term transition services means a coordinated set of activities for a student designed within an outcome- oriented process, which promotes movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational training, integrated employment including (supported employment) continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living or community participation.

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All qualified or second year students are eligible for one of our cooperative work programs. Students are placed in jobs directly related to their course of study while they continue to earn credits towards their certification. This program is generally set up so that students attend their vocational school a minimum of one day a week and develop their skills on the job the other four days. This cooperative program involves students, parents, employers, the home school, and the vocational school. This program permits a smooth transition from schoolbased learning and paid employment.

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The Evaluation Unit is a work oriented environment designed to help students grades eight through twelve make a sound vocational selection by: exploring the world of work relative to definite vocational areas; assessing the student’s ability to do work; determining general areas of vocational interest and aptitudes; and identifying an appropriate vocational program for the student.

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A complete report is submitted to the home school for each student. This report indicated the strengths, interests, and weaknesses of each student based upon their performance and experience at the Evaluations Unit. Recommendations are made to help the home school formulate a specific career plan for each student.

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The Evaluation Unit operates on a shared-time concept (half day at the home school - half day at the unit). The evaluation process generally takes up to seven days to complete. This program will provide comprehensive evaluation and a meaningful experience for the participating students.

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The Ocean County Vocational Technical School has designed a Job Shadowing/Internship/Job Sampling agreement with many Ocean County employers. We take pride in the ever-growing number of businesses that have joined our educational family, thereby affording our students the opportunity to have work-based learning activities. This agreement is designed to help our students with the transition from formal education to employment through the utilization of actual on-the-job experiences.

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Related academics are implemented within each of the Employment Orientation programs. This enables the special needs student to gain the Math and English skills necessary to succeed in a chosen field.

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Students who attend OCVTS may participate in several state and vocational organizations that promote leadership development and skill recognition. Some of these groups sponsor state and national level contests. In the past, our students have earned gold, silver, and bronze medals for their outstanding achievements.

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