Occupational Credential Program
The Greenville County Occupational Credential is designed to comply with mandates from both federal and state legislation and to incorporate best practices related to the provision of transition services. The program of study sets high expectations for students with disabilities emphasizes personal responsibility and includes requirements for mastering rigorous academic and vocational standards.
The curriculum includes "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). The activities must be based upon the individuals needs, taking into account the student's preferences and interests, and shall include instruction, community experiences, the development of employment and other post school adult living objectives and when appropriate acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation (P. L. 101-476 in Bureau of Education for Exceptional Students, 1991b, p2).
The curriculum requires a Community-Based Work Training Component that begins with students in the eleventh grad. Eleventh grade students much have acceptable work performance evaluation in two-four community based training experiences, with a total of 30 hours. Students in work training placements will be directly supervised by employees from local businesses and indirectly be conducted in keeping with Department of Labor procedures and regulations. Appropriate records will be maintained.
The most intensive part of the curriculum is the twelfth grade year in which students will be completing all their academic prerequisites and will be placed in competitive paid employment. The maximum requirement if 360 hours of successful paid employment by the end of the year. Students will receive the opportunity to prepare with vocational skills the Local Career Centers.