Overview
LAUSD Career and Transition Center programs provides employment preparation, independent living skills, and social skills instruction to students ages 18-22 years, who are on the Alternate Curriculum. Employment preparation is provided through a variety of vocational training programs offered at the CTC. Our vocational training programs provide opportunities for students to gain skills that will make them work ready and prepare them for competitive or supported employment opportunities after they exit the public school system. Independent living skills instruction, which includes community integration and independent travel, provides opportunities for students to grow and become as independent as possible. The social skills instruction that is incorporated in each of our vocational training programs at the CTC allows students to learn and practice appropriate workplace and social behaviors in the context of real world situations and environments.
Functional Academics
Students enrolled at the CTC will continue to receive functional academics in the areas of Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and English Language Development. Academic instruction is delivered using the district approved and mandated curriculum, Unique-2-You Learning System (Transition Grade Band). The Unique-2-You Learning System is aligned to addresses the needs of transition aged students by providing them with monthly lessons and activities that provide lifelong skills that are needed as they transition into adulthood. The lessons and activities are embedded into the vocational training strands and all other classes offered at the CTC.
Off-Campus Work Experience
Students who are enrolled at the CTC and are work ready will also have the opportunity to participate in off-campus work experience through the Work-Based Learning program (WBL). Each CTC partners with local businesses within the community to provide work experience opportunities for students. Student have the option of participating in the program in a volunteer status (up to 200 hrs.), or in a paid status (Up to 100 hrs.). Students who submit the Right-to-Work documents are eligible to participate in a paid work status. Students in a paid work status are assigned an employee number from LAUSD and are paid for the hrs. worked through a Grantibility fund provided by the state of California. The end goal for students who participate in the WBL program is to gain valuable work experience, and secure an internship or direct hire at one of the many local businesses that partner with us.
Continuum of Placement Options
Instruction provided at the CTC also prepares students with the skills needed to participate in additional transition programs that we offer. The Center for Advanced Transition Skills (CATS) and Project Search are work experience/work training programs that are available to students who are enrolled at the CTC. Each program has specific criteria that must be met by the student before entering into the program. Vital skills that are required include independent travel and prior work experience, all of which are provided at the CTC. Students with a desire to participate in either program must first be screened and assessed in their current level of work readiness to determine eligibility for each program.
Eligibility
Certificate of Completion is awarded upon completion of 4 years of High School, services beyond the Certificate of Completion are provided at a CTC in one of the following 3 programs, CTC on campus, CATS, or Project SEARCH. Students eligible to participate in the CTC program must meet the following criteria:
Ages 18-22
Moderate/Severe Disability
Currently on the Alternate Curriculum
Completed 4th year of High School
Not eligible to receive a diploma
8218 Vanalden Ave, Reseda 91335
(818) 885-1646
19034 Gault St, Reseda, 91335
(818) 881-5341
12827 Saticoy St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
818-765-340
CATS is a unique partnership between the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Community College District.
Located at selected Los Angeles Community Colleges, the Center provides instructional support, independent travel training, career guidance, work-based learning experiences, and job opportunities to prepare students with special needs for the adult world.
LAUSD transition teachers in partnership with community college staff collaborate with families, school personnel, employers, and outside agencies to empower students to make decisions, set goals and carry out their transition plans from school to post-school opportunities.
Participating students also enroll in classes at the community college and are assisted by mentors as they learn a variety of important employment, social, educational, living and vocational skills.
Project SEARCH is a partnership between business, education and vocational rehabilitation. The goal is to provide on-site internship experiences for youth with disabilities leading to competitive employment!
Project SEARCH is a one year, high school transition program which provides training and education leading to employment for individuals with disabilities. The program occurs on-site at a high status community business. Project SEARCH serves as a workforce alternative for students in their last year of high school.
The cornerstone of Project SEARCH is total immersion in a large business. Each day, students report to the host business, learn employability skills in the classroom and job skills while participating in 3 – 4 internships/experiences during the year. If available, students utilize public transportation. Students get continual feedback from the internship manager, co-workers and Project SEARCH staff. Students end their day by reflection, problem solving, planning and journaling their key learning’s. The ultimate goal upon program completion is competitive employment utilizing the skills learned on the internships and throughout the program.
Project Search-Kaiser Sunset and Lanternman Regional Center Information
Project Search-Kaiser West Los Angeles and Westside Regional Center Recruitment Brochure
Project Search-Kaiser Woodland Hills and North Los Angeles County Regional Center
Project Search-Children's Hospital Los Angeles and South Central Los Angeles Regional Center *Fall 2019*
Project Search Organization - http://www.projectsearch.us/
For information please contact the DOTS office at 213-241-8050