STEPS

Specialized Transition Employment Planning Services (STEPS)

Specialized Transition Employment Planning Services (STEPS) is a Saint Paul Public School service that supports students receiving special education in grades 11 and 12 through skills development and work-based learning experiences.

Students are placed at work-based learning sites within the community and receive hands-on job training at these community-based sites. STEPS is responsible for the placement of the students and the coordination between Saint Paul Public Schools high schools and the work site.

The STEPS office is located in the Focus Beyond Transitions Services building at 340 Colborne Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. For more information, contact Rebecca Andestic, STEPS Lead.

Email: rebecca.andestic@spps.org

Telephone: (651) 744-1974

FAX: (651) 293-5998

What is transition planning?
Preparing students with special education needs to achieve maximum independence and become successfully employed after high school graduation is the focus of successful transition planning.

Federal and State legislation have mandated “transition” as a curriculum requirement for all students 16-22 years old with special education needs. Learners receiving special education services are individually placed at non-paid educational training sites within the community. Learning occurs while students are engaged in daily living skills, occupational guidance and preparation and personal social skills. These sites are considered to be STEPS classrooms in the community; as such, Saint Paul Public Schools assumes responsibilities typical for students in regular classroom settings. Each community experience provides an opportunity for application of previously acquired "on the job" knowledge and skills. Students learn new skills in realistic work settings. STEPS sites are coached/taught by school personnel. Classroom credit is given for this valuable educational experience.

Travel Training
Travel instruction is provided for students needing to learn to travel independently in their communities and to and from their worksite.

Information about Travel Training

STEPS Registration Information

What does STEPS stand for and what is the program all about?

STEPS stands for Specialized Transition Employment Planning Services and is Saint Paul Public School service to help learners with special education needs, prepare for employment and independence after graduation.

Do the students get paid?

No, but students do receive credit towards graduation. Their job here is considered their daily class, including transportation to and from the job site. At the end of the semester, students receive a grade from their job coach.

How old are the students and what schools do they come from?

Students in STEPS are typically juniors or seniors currently enrolled in a high school or program within Saint Paul Public School District who have transition needs identified on their IEP.

What kinds of job sites are there?

STEPS has job sites related to food service, office/clerical, computer-based technology, automotive, maintenance, gardening, childcare, and woodworking and more.

What is the purpose of the job coach?

Job coaches communicate with work coordinators, parents, case managers, teachers, school nurse, STEPS staff and therapists regarding the program progress, attendance and behavior of the student. Coaches also provide direction, teach communication, social and problem solving skills, as well as assisting students in learning the task/job at hand. They maintain records for attendance and grades and attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings if necessary.

How long do the students stay at a job site?

STEPS has two daily "shifts". The AM shift starts at 8:30/9:00 AM and runs until 11:00/11:15 AM. The PM "shift" starts at 12 PM and runs until 3 PM. Students typically work at a site for one semester, September through January and February through June.

Can the students do any jobs at a site?

No, students can not take the position of a paid employee. STEPS follows labor laws regarding the use of dangerous equipment, machines and materials. Students typically do entry-level tasks to provide an introduction to the workplace.