“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa
Did you know that employment goals should be a part of a student’s individual education plan (IEP)? Education and employment go hand in hand. Employment goals help ensure the student can reach their goals after they finish school. It is important to start thinking about life after school sooner rather than later so there is ample time to receive the necessary skills and training.
When a student turns fourteen, a transition plan is developed in the IEP. The transition plan includes goals the students want to accomplish after they leave the school environment. This includes where they would like to live, if they would like to pursue employment or post-secondary education, and so much more. The transition plan is a great place to brainstorm as a team and allow the student to use their voice about what they envision their life looking like after finishing school. Transition TN is a great resource that explains in much more depth about best practices around transition planning.
The transition part of the IEP should clearly outline individualized goals that are unique to the student. After the goals have been written, the IEP will work on delivering an intervention that will help the student reach the goals. This is typically done through pre-vocational service minutes on the IEP. Students may learn job skills in the school environment, or they may go out into the community to get more real-life practice. Some students may also have the option to stay in the school system after they graduate high school until age twenty-two to get more transition training.
Vocational Rehabilitation also partners with schools to help provide pre-vocational services and can also provide support once the student leaves the school system. Teamwork allows for the student to receive the best supports possible.
It is never too early to start thinking about vocational goals. You do not have to wait until the student turns fourteen to start addressing employment goals. At any time, pre-vocational goals can be added to the IEP. By starting early, it allows the student ample time to develop the appropriate skills and get adequate practice using the skills. If there are pre-vocational goals in the IEP, there should also be pre-vocational service minutes in the IEP so the student can receive an individualized intervention. If pre-vocational goals are frequently addressed in the IEP, it helps keep the goals current and updated as the student’s interests or goals change.
The more the student can voice their goals about employment, independent living, or post-secondary education, it allows the student to be an active participant in the IEP.
The IEP and employment can be confusing so as always feel free to reach out if we can help you find any resources or assist in any way. Call us at 1-800-640-4636.
Remember, it is never too late to start thinking about a career change, employment goals, and so much more. Your gifts and talents are needed in the workforce. So, start dreaming and encourage students to dream in their IEP about vocational goals. There are so many resources available to help you reach your goals!