STEP Program Overview
STEP (Secondary Transitional Experience Program) provides students with pre-vocational support in Job Exploration Counseling; Work-Based Learning Experiences; Counseling on Post-Secondary Education; Workplace Readiness Training; and Instruction in Self-Advocacy. STEP is a work experience program that helps students with disabilities prepare to transition to employment and community participation during and after high school. Students learn to become productive, self-sufficient adults through a variety of STEP experiences.
These experiences may include:
- Assisting students in developing desirable work habits and realistic career goals
- Provide opportunities for students to explore careers;
- Offer meaningful work experiences through on-the-job placement;
- Encourage students to develop the social and personal skills needed to maintain successful employment and
- Job coaching; if needed
The STEP Program is sponsored by the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) and facilitated by the SEAPCO Vocational Team until a student accepts their diploma or ages out at age 22. The graduate can remain an adult customer of DRS, continuing vocational support plus a possibility of accessing community college funding.
To make a referral to the STEP Program....
- Complete the referral information and make sure the student's social security number is included & correct
- Parent & student sign the referral form and release of information for records to be shared with DRS
- Provide a copy of their birth certificate
- Provide a copy of their most recent physical
- Return all this information to your student’s case manager at school
Any questions, please contact Jodie Vanderheydt, STEP Vocational Program Coordinator/Transition Specialist, 309-697-0880x284 or jvanderheydt@seapco.org