An educational transition occurs when a student moves from grade to grade, changes schools, or moves to a job or post-secondary setting. Effective transition planning begins early, is collaborative, and should involve students as much as possible. Transition planning involves identifying the skills and strategies that the student will need for a future change, and planning instruction to develop them.
Transition Process
Families across Nova Scotia can access free, universal pre-primary education for their children, the year before they start school.
Home to School Transition
The SSRCE team is informed of any students entering Primary that have been diagnosed with ASD from the Pre-Primary Program or Nova Scotia Early Childhood Development Intervention Services (NSECDIS).
On-site visits occur to observe the child in their environment.
Student Planning Team (SPT) meetings occur with the family and supporting services to plan for transitioning into Primary. SPT members include: parent(s)/guardian(s), school team, SSRCE Student Services Team Lead, Transition Facilitator, NSECDIS lead, and EIBI (if applicable). Others that might be included: Speech Language Pathologist, Assistive Technology Specialist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, School Psychologist, Student Support Worker, Coordinator of Transportation, etc.
Transition plan is created by the SPT which could include social narratives, visits to school/classroom prior to school starting, school videos/PowerPoints, etc.
Grade to Grade Transition
Student Planning Team (SPT) meeting with a focus on transition occurs with parents/guardians, student (if applicable), school team, and supporting services to plan for transitioning into between grades.
The student is encouraged to attend and participate in their meetings.
Goals
Identify students strengths, challenges, and interests
Review individual assessments and programming
Transition plan is created which could include social narratives, visits to classroom prior to school starting, meeting new teacher(s), etc.
Address student and/or parent concerns about the transition
Transition Planning for Students with Special Needs: The Early Years through Adult Life, DEECD, 2005: page 7
School to School Transition
Student Planning Team (SPT) meeting with a focus on transition occurs with parents/guardians, student (if applicable), outgoing school team, incoming school team, and supporting services to plan for transitioning into between schools.
The student is encouraged to attend and participate in their meetings.
Goals
Identify students strengths, challenges, and interests
Identify programming and support services that will be required at their new school
Transition plan is created which could include social narratives, visits to classroom prior to school starting, meeting new teacher(s), etc.
Address student and/or parent concerns about the transition
Transition Planning for Students with Special Needs: The Early Years through Adult Life, DEECD, 2005: page 7
School to Community Transition
Student Planning Team (SPT) should initiate planning as early as possible (usually by age 14), and collaborate with student and family on goals and aspirations for the future (education, housing, transportation, leisure, work, etc.).
Regular SPT meetings with a focus on transition occurs with parents/guardians, student (if applicable), school team, and community/adult service partners.
Goals
Identify eligibility for post high school support programs and services such as Labour Market Agreement for Persons with Disabilities (LMAPD).
Identify transition outcomes based on what the students goals and aspirations and considering the students strengths, challenges, and interests.
Coordinating school programming and services that will provide the student opportunities to work towards future goals.
Transition plan is created which could include social narratives, visits to post secondary (work placement, college, university, etc.).
Address student and/or parent concerns about the transition
Transition Planning for Students with Special Needs: The Early Years through Adult Life, DEECD, 2005: page 7
Students and families/guardians will receive information about available supports in post-secondary (may vary by institution)
Provided with information on available grants, bursaries & scholarship
Provided with information on applying for a student loan
Every university has different supports in place for students entering. Our team can support with navigating those supports and services at post secondary.
Applicants must be a high school graduate between 18-21 years of age.
Applicants must be a high school graduate from a Nova Scotia Regional Centre of Education.
High School Graduation Diploma, including a transcript that indicates Individual Program Plan (IPP) designated credit(s) in any Grade 12 course or your highest Math course.
For IPPs in Social Development or Life Skills, a copy of the IPP must be included with the application. A completed Achieve referral form (PDF 95KB).
Interview – applicants will be required to participate in an interview at the campus.
NSCC Achieve Program
This program prepares you for life after high school by focusing on employability, independent living, personal wellness and participation in your community. We work with you to develop a personalized plan focusing on your individual goals. You learn essential life and employment skills that will help you:
Make important decisions about your future
Build lasting relationships with others
Find rewarding job opportunities
Navigate social barriers and develop self-advocacy skills (or develop a stronger understanding of yourself)
Get involved in your community
Through interactive classroom-based groups, hands-on learning and real-life settings, you increase your self-awareness, confidence and social skills. You also learn new ways to cope with stress, make decisions and solve problems. You explore how to manage time, money and other personal responsibilities, as well as using social media in every day life.
By focusing on your strengths, abilities and dreams we work with you to discover what you really want in your life, what you can do well, what you like, and explore a range of employment, career and community opportunities.
NSCC Achieve Program, Programs & Courses 2021
In grade 12, request a credit check from guidance.
Consider options and costs for housing, travel, expenses.
TRAACE (Transition Readiness And Autism Community Employment)
A school-based program that offers skill building modules and a peer supported co-op experience to youth with ASD who are currently attending high school. More Information
SSWAP (South Shore Work Activity Program)
SSWAP is a program that assists adults like you get employed and stay employed. You will set your own goals and make your own Action Plan, with the help of an instructor/ counsellor. You will receive in-house instruction and counselling at our location, plus on-the-job training with real employers.You will leave SSWAP with new skills and experience that will seriously help you get your life together. More information
SSRCE Verge House Transition Program
The Verge House Transition Program is a community-based educational program for students aged 18-21 who have individual program plans and who would benefit from skills training in the areas of employment, social skills, independent living skills, and functional academics.
The integrity of this program is maintained in an atmosphere that:
Support inclusion into all aspects of community life
Defines individualization
Promotes self-awareness, self-advocacy and empowerment
Enhances the development of critical-thinking skills, problem solving skills and personal responsibility
Clarifies the process of assessing community resource