We Graduate Life-long Learners
One of the most challenging realities facing individuals with disabilities is unemployment after graduation. Woods’ response to this growing challenge is The Brookwood School and the philosophy that in order to increase students with disabilities chances of obtaining competitive integrated employment, the focus needs to be on empowering students with disabilities to begin to identify career interests that are further explored though pre-vocational/pre-employment experiences. Our students will be provided with formal preparation and training in the hopes of a successful, seamless transition from school to work.
Our Collective Goal
Many students who qualify for Special Education services with intellectual developmental disabilities (IDD) have complex emotional and/or behavioral challenges that present particular barriers to acquiring and maintaining competitive, integrated employment as young adults. As an extension of Woods’ Educational Programs, The Brookwood School will provide a comprehensive, interdisciplinary approach to pre-vocational work-based learning and pre-employment training beginning at age 14 to 21 years.
Academic Content
- Language Arts
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Studies
- Specials
- Health
Pre-Vocational Skills
- Landscaping & Horticulture
- Warehouse & Retail
- Housekeeping & Janitorial
- Beauty & Grooming
Job Readiness
- Exploring career options
- Writing résumés & cover letters
- Filling out Job Applications
- Developing Social Skills
- Interviewing Skills
- Interpersonal Job Skills
Independent Living
- Food Planning & Preparation
- Personal Grooming
- Personal Finance
- Self-Advocacy
- Community Living
Transition: School to Work
Students attending Brookwood School have opportunities for simulated instruction, paid internships, as well as actual job employment. The instructional activities are designed to promote skills that are transferable for job employment and encourage students to develop social relationships. Throughout the year, students enjoy planned fieldtrips to community-based businesses such as beauty salons, plant nurseries, hardware stores etc. They will attend job fairs to observe social interaction and, when appropriate, apply and interview for jobs.
Work-Based Learning Experiences
- Provide job exploration, acquisition and post-secondary counseling so students can begin to identify career interests that will be further explored through additional pre-vocational/pre-employment experiences.
- Offer transition opportunities so students gain basic life skills, individualized, integrated job of choice, and develop independence necessary for post graduation life.
- Provide instruction in self-advocacy so students can successfully transition to community living.
- Provide life skills instruction to help students gain independence needed for community living.
- Assess student interests, abilities, and special needs as well as other special services designed to help students enrolled in vocational education transition into post school employment or training.
Day Only or Residential Applications
At The Brookwood School, we encourage parents, guardians, agencies and school districts to directly contact Woods Admissions when applying for students with special needs. Please include the following student information in sending a written referral for Day Only or Residential special education services:
- Current Individual Education Plan (IEP) recommending Approved Private School (APS) or out of district placement.
- Most recent Re-evaluation Report (RR) or Evaluation Report (ER).
- Transition plan, ages 14 or older that specifies what services the student needs to make a successful transition from high school to work and community living. Individual should demonstrate prerequisite skills and interest in pre-vocational training instruction.