The Deron School’s Special Needs Child to Adult Transition Programs
At The Deron School, we pride ourselves on fostering an environment that emphasizes independent thought, learning, and living. At our Montclair Campus, we work with special needs teens and adults ranging in age between 13-21 years old through our adult transition program.
The Bridge Program
As its name suggests, our Bridge Transition Program was created to bridge the gap between high school and adult life for students ages 18-21. For students that have already fulfilled their high school requirements, this program allows them to further their education and prepare for their future as an employee. This program focuses on many different areas of study, all to promote independence.
Areas of study include:
- Financial Literacy
- Consumer Awareness
- Life Skills
- Community Resources
- Travel Training
- Employment Preparation
The Transition Program
We partner with over 20 job sites through our transition program to provide our students with employment opportunities and training in the food-service, maintenance, and retail sectors. We also offer our students the opportunity to meet with a job coach to prepare, train, and strengthen their employment skills. Students begin to narrow down their likes and dislikes throughout this process to explore appropriate employment opportunities aligned with their future goals.
Every student’s Transition Program is composed of activities in the following areas:
- Academic Instruction (with emphasis on functional/daily living skills)
- Community-Based Instruction (CBI)
- Recreation
- Prevocational & Structured Learning Experiences
- Related & Support Service
Our Structured Learning Experience
Our students experience working part-time while shadowed by a Deron Job Coach through our unique Bridge Transition Program. Our students’ community-based activities and structured learning experiences help them develop and foster essential life skills to apply to their future employment opportunities. Due to the Montclair Campus’s ideal location, students are exposed to various skill-building opportunities, such as taking public transportation, navigating the area, and more. Our students have participated and thrived in several Structured Learning Experiences at these facilities:
- Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center
- The Falls (Catering Venue)
- Organic Food Incubator
- St. Thomas the Apostle School
- Shop-Rite
- Walgreens Pharmacy
- Chocolate Works
- Montclair Bread Company
- Kean University
- ABA 4 You
- Mr. Cupcake
- Grove Laundromat
- Grove Pharmacy
- Toni’s Kitchen
- Liberty Science Center
- Foodtown
- Mandee
- KB Electric
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Montclair Bread
- Strategic Insurance Partners
- Rosaspina
- Ethan and The Bean
Because of this program, many of our former students are successfully employed in the following areas: service industry, food & nutrition, medical services, warehousing, automotive maintenance, technology, and retail. With the world as our students’ classroom, the possibilities are endless.
How The Deron School Can Help
Since 1967, The Deron School has offered a state-approved private school program and services tailored to your child’s needs. If you believe that your child would benefit from our wide array of resources and services, don’t hesitate to reach out to our leadership team with any admission inquiries.