This exploration will help students make decisions about the kinds of work they would like to seek upon graduation. Paid work experience. Studies have shown that students competitively employed while still in school are more likely to remain employed after graduation. Job-seeking skills curriculum. A key element in transition to employment is the ability to seek and obtain employment.
Schools can offer instruction and practice in the skills necessary to obtain one's own job.
This means students do not have to depend on specialized employment programs that may or may not exist in that community. While IDEA requires the school to address planning for transition by age 16, parents should begin planning for this transition as early as kindergarten. They can consider the skills the child needs for a meaningful and purposeful adult life and can be sure these are included in the child's IEP at the appropriate school level. Parents can also be effective educators in communicating to their child the value of work and by teaching behaviors that develop their child's employment potential. Parents can provide opportunities for enjoyable community activities which allow the child to see people at work in different settings.