Berks County IU 14, PA -

Transition House

The BCIU’s Transition House Program in Birdsboro assists high school seniors with mild-to-moderate disabilities transition from the familiar environment of high school to employment and independent living. The Transition House programs are located at 511 Chestnut Street, Birdsboro, PA 19508.

BCIU staff members, including a certified special education teacher and a community coordination specialist, work with students daily to:

• Develop skills necessary for vocational teamwork and communication.

• Learn socialization skills for job seeking, job retention, and community living.

• Practice financial and household management skills.

• Develop self-advocacy skills.

The program provides hands-on learning opportunities to students who seek competitive employment after their last year of high school. Students participate in the program in two half-day sessions, from 8 a.m-11 a.m. and 12 p.m.-3 p.m. Students are transported to the program according to arrangements made by their school district, which include the use of public transportation when needed, a skill the Transition House Program emphasizes.

Referral and Assessment

School districts must make referrals for services by downloading and submitting a Request for School-Age Programs and Services Form to the BCIU.

A Transition House Program representative will then contact the student’s teacher and discuss the screening process. The screening identifies the student’s strengths and needs and guides the team, including the school district’s staff and administration, in determining the appropriateness of enrollment in the program. Enrollment is very flexible and typically includes part-time placement.

Students with mild to moderate disabilities entering into their last year of school, who have competitive employment as a transition outcome, are eligible for the Transition House Program.