DuPage District 88 transition program highlights vocational, life-skills training for students with IEPs

Stephanie Nika, the District 88 transition program department chair, told the DuPage High School District 88 Board of Education that the program serves students who have met graduation requirements and who have individualized education programs (IEPs) and that participation is voluntary.

The transition program “assists the students in developing needed skills including academics, self advocacy, vocational and life skills to allow for a successful transition from school to adult life,” Nika said. She described classroom instruction, job simulations and community vocational training designed to build job readiness and workplace habits.

Nut graf: The presentation outlined how the program links classroom learning to community settings to prepare students with disabilities for supported or competitive employment, postsecondary education and independent living — and emphasized the program’s use of individualized IEP transition goals to guide services.

Program staff said students work in small cohorts grouped by postsecondary outcomes. Staff members include Devon Harris, classroom teacher and case manager; Amanda Wilson, classroom teacher and case manager; and Chris Perkins, teacher and case manager. Staff said some students participate primarily at the College of DuPage (COD) through a COD Connections arrangement while others spend more time at district facilities and in community-based vocational placements.

A student identified as Tremaine said, “This is my last year in transition. Transition helped me get a job and also work on my social skills.” Other students described activities such as resume writing, job applications, shopping and community outings to locations including the Yorktown Mall and Oakbrook Center, and regular visits to Centennial Fitness for fitness and social routines.

Staff described a student-run microbusiness that requires students to design marketing materials, shop for supplies, create products, prepare invoices and collect payments. The program also emphasizes daily living tasks such as cooking, laundry, grocery shopping and money management.

Nika noted community partnerships that support on-site and off-site training, and said staffing and instruction include individualized planning using a student’s IEP transition page. She said the program typically enrolls between 50 and 70 students; this year the program had about 55 students, including roughly 15 who primarily participate at College of DuPage through COD Connections.

The presentation referenced monthly family transition seminars (via Zoom) that cover topics such as Supplemental Security Income, guardianship and Medicaid waivers to help families plan post‑school supports.

Board members asked about enrollment and praised students’ work; a board member asked for the total enrollment by subprogram and staff provided the 50–70 historical range and the current count of about 55. The board did not take formal action related to the presentation.