For students aged fourteen to twenty-one, focus on transition to adult life is of utmost importance. As described in Program Design section of the Fairmount site, transitional aged student receive a combination of 1 to1 and group instruction. For students who need a higher degree of support, programming focuses primarily on a functional/vocational skills curriculum. Greatest concentration is placed on developing and increasing communication, daily living, socialization and vocational competence with instruction in core curriculum subjects.
Students who demonstrate readiness may be taught in a classroom/group teaching structure. This classroom model provides educational services to students who require less intensive support with greater emphasis on generalization and independence. It concentrates on functional academic skills and provides instruction, practice and support in social communication, daily living and vocational skills. This program is designed for those students who may be able to transition to less restrictive or comprehensive settings in the future.
In both programs, vocational and social skills training and practice are provided on and off campus. Students aged fourteen and fifteen participate in volunteer activities. Students who are sixteen years and older, engage in volunteer or paid employment two to four days a week. These activities are designed not only to provide students with exposure to the world of work and to a variety of vocational clusters, but also to engender concepts of generosity and service. Moreover, vocational opportunities afford students with the opportunity to work with peers and adults in setting in which expectations vary from those at school or with family.
Transitional students receive consultative services in speech and language therapy and occupational therapy. Reading and behavior analyst specialists provide support, as needed.
DSFA offers a functional/vocational curriculum in its transitional programs. Students who complete the program will receive a diploma designating such completion.