|
The Work Exploration Life Skills South (WELS-S) program is designed for students with intensive special education needs who are post-high school age. WELS-S prepares students to progress toward graduation at an individual pace based on their Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Innovative instructional opportunities in work skill development, community participation, recreation and leisure, home and daily living and social communication skills are hallmarks of WELS-S.
The program is staffed with one teacher in each classroom and one education assistant for every two or three students. One-to-one education assistants or health specialists are provided as required by a student's Individual Education Plan (IEP).
Staff work in close partnership with the young adults, their families and community providers to identify individual priorities for students to achieve a smooth and meaningful transition to adult life. Staff intently focus on students' strengths, interests and unique learning styles.
The educational planning process involves a team of home school district staff, parents, agency professionals and Northeast Metro 916 staff. Referrals are made through the special education director of the student's home school district.
Transportation is provided by the home school district.
Specialized Services
-
Continuum of work experiences from site-based to community business partnerships
-
Full range of related services including speech/language, occupational/physical therapy, nursing assistive technology, social work, mental health and autism support
-
Balanced literacy, math and general knowledge instruction using research-based, standards referenced curricula
-
Developmental adaptive physical education and recreation/leisure instruction
-
Social communication skill instruction
-
Proactive behavior strategies
-
Comprehensive use of visual strategies
-
Interactive SMART Board technology
-
Student ambassador program
-
Graduation plans based on progress toward IEP goals
-
Extended school year program as required by IEP
| 
