Transition (18-21) Program
Our goal is to prepare students with the essential workplace readiness skills for successful employment, the critical life skills for independent living, and the foundational skills needed for a happy and fulfilling future.
The SBJC Transition Program is for students aged 18-21 who have met the requirements for high school graduation. This program aims to bridge the gap between high school and adulthood, equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary to live their post-scholastic lives as contributing members of society and the workforce.
Guided by a multidisciplinary team of teachers, paraprofessionals, job coaches, and therapists, students engage in career exploration and community-based learning. The program incorporates hands-on training sessions, internships, and participation in the Work-Based Learning Program, fostering both independence and professional readiness.
By combining curriculum-driven learning with practical, real-world experiences, the Transition Program emphasizes skill development in areas such as social interaction, employment readiness, and independent living. Through community-based instruction and structured internships with local businesses, students gain the tools they need to successfully navigate the next stage of their lives.
Program Director
Dr. Stephanie McGowan
Director of Community-Based Instruction and Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning
Through our Work-Based Learning partnerships with local businesses and community agencies, students participate in school-sponsored non-paid external learning experiences. Placements vary depending on the abilities and interest of the students. A variety of work-based learning experiences are offered to expose students to different jobs and businesses. Each student’s School to Work program is developed in accordance with the student’s Individual Education Program Transition Plan.
Curriculum
The in-school instruction incorporates the James Stanfield Transition Curriculum and the Life-Centered Career Education Curriculum, focusing on three core units. Students develop personal management skills through power building activities, exploring their unique qualities and setting career goals. They also learn about educational pathways and self-advocacy strategies. In career management, students practice effective communication and explore steps to enter their chosen field. They learn how to become valued employees and responsible community members. The third unit, life management, guides students in making responsible adult decisions, including maintaining a healthy lifestyle, enjoying leisure activities, and balancing independent living with family life.
Travel Training
Our Travel Training is a structured educational program designed to equip students with the necessary skills to navigate and use public transportation effectively, including the use of services like Access Link. As an integral component of our 18-21 program, the primary goal is to enhance students' independence and self-sufficiency by increasing their capacity to independently commute to and from their workplace using public transportation. This training goes beyond basic familiarity with public transportation systems; it delves into the topics of planning routes, understanding schedules, using various modes of public transit, and ensuring safety during travel. Students are provided with hands-on experience, practical scenarios, and real-life simulations to build confidence and competence in utilizing public transportation options.
Anti-Bullying Contacts for Lodi Campus/18-21 Transition Program
| Title | Name | Telephone | Address | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District Anti-Bullying Coordinator | Lorraine Rake | lrake@njsbjc.org | 241 Ray St, Garfield, NJ 07026 | |
| District Anti-Bullying Coordinator | Ashley Vaughan | avaughan@njsbjc.org | 201-393-0475, ext. 242 | 696 Route 46 West, Teterboro, NJ 07608 |
| Anti-Bullying Specialist: Lodi Campus | Claudia Balestier | cbalestier@njsbjc.org | 973-249-0995 | 123 Union Street, Lodi, NJ |