Special Need Programs

Employment Orientation

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

The Ocean County Vocational Technical School is composed of five 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 during grades 9-12.

Vocational Assessment Purpose

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.

Application Procedure

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 designated person at the home school and is forwarded to the Office of Special Services with all necessary data.

Students Served

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 E.O. programs offer a variety of trade areas designed for the special needs student's success.

The Employment Orientation Program does provide services to a majority of those with handicaps recognized by the New Jersey State Department of Education.

Mainstreaming

Students in the Employment Orientation Program who exhibit strong interests and competencies in a specific vocational area will be placed in a regular vocational program. The mainstreaming of special needs students from the E.O. 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.

TRANSITION DEFINITION

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."