Hello Families!!

 

Typically during this time of the school year, we begin facilitating meetings between our 2nd-year students and our Snohomish County partners, specifically the School 2 Work Program.

 

 

What is School 2 Work? 

 

School to Work is a partnership between schools, Snohomish County Developmental Disabilities, the State Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), and Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRP) to assist students with gainful employment before they leave school and provide ongoing support as needed.

 

To participate you must:

 

• Be eligible for Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) services

 

• Be 20-21 years of age

 

• Be committed to working

 

• Have reliable transportation

 

• Apply for DVR

 

• Choose an employment provider

 

• Apply for Social Security Benefits

 

• Be eligible for Medicaid

 

 

This year looks a little different with the Stay at Home order in place. It is still important that our families sign their students up for this program if your intention is for them to obtain part-time, gainful employment before they officially exit from public education! 

 

 

Here is the process for Transitioning from Public Education at Age 21 to Employment:

 

   

 

 

Here is the link to find printable copies of the Transitioning from School 2 Work at Age 21 Process

 

 

Step 1:  APPLY FOR SERVICES WITH THE DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION

 

Step 2: IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EXPLORING EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS OR HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT TRANSITION, CONTACT SNOHOMISH COUNTY TRANSITION COORDINATOR Deb Gall at 425-388-7476 deb.gall@snoco.org

 

Step 3: DEVELOP AN EMPLOYMENT PLAN – OPTIONS TO CONSIDER

 

Step 4: CHOOSE AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY AND HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION Employment Agencies More information available at: www.snohomishcountywa.gov/dd

 

Step 5: PARTICIPATE IN YOUR COMMUNITY

 

 

Let's talk about Step 4! 

 

This is a very important step and one that your family needs to make based upon works best for you and your student. There are many wonderful Career Path Providers to choose from and they each offer a variation of services. You will also want to choose a Person-Centered Planner. Your Person-Centered Planner will work with your student and family in developing a long-term plan based on your student's goals. Your students' entire team (school team, family, friends, neighbors, providers) will meet to provide insights about your student and be there to cheer them on and support them!

 

You can find a list of providers beginning on page 19 of Snohomish County's Career Path Services Guide to Employment.

 

 

I know all of this information can seem confusing! Our school team is here to help guide you through the process and be the bridge between school and employment services for your student!