Occupational Development Program (ODP)

 

The Occupational Development Program offers a curriculum for students who are experiencing difficulties in learning and whose academic needs cannot be met in the traditional secondary curriculum. 

An On-the-Job training program offers students supervised work/training.  Upon completion of the Occupational Development Program, student will have been exposed to work related competencies and will have become familiar with the appropriate agencies and resources that will assist them in securing employment. 

 

Student Profile

 

Learning Impaired

Specific Learning Disabilities

Speech-Language Impairment

Other Health Impairment

Emotional Disturbance

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Multiple Disabilities

 

Staff

 

                 Director

                Karen Blodgett

 

Building Secretary

Mary LeBrun

 

Teachers

Marc Thomas

Lisa Robarts

Marcia Locke

Margaret Gultekin

Kim Farrar

Jennie Shaw

 

Program Paraeducators

Janet Allison

Beverly Ebelt

Jayne Esposito

Janice Izzo

 

OJT and Transition Specialist

Kim Farrar

 

Job Trainers

Josh Dikeman

Wendy Thompson

 

Relate Service Providers

Joan Campbell, Speech/Language Pathologist

Kim Hartell-Britt, School Based Clinician   

 

 

Academics

 

Communications

Each student’s program will be individualized, but areas of general emphasis will be:  reading, writing, comprehension, speaking, listening and reasoning.

 

Math

Areas of general emphasis will be:  math facts and operations, use of calculators, time and measurement.  If appropriate, students will be able to do pre-algebra facts. 

 

Science

Students are given a general overview of the human body, life sciences and ecology.

 

Health

Students are given an in-depth look at issues facing teens today and making rational, informed decisions. 

 

Pre-Vocation

Areas of study will include:  choosing an occupation, finding a job, getting a job, keeping a job and management of work and adult responsibilities.

 

Music Appreciation

This is an introductory course that is designed to present students with an awareness of the history, genre and theory of western music.  Students will have an opportunity to compose simple melodies as well.

 

Civics

Students will focus on the duties and right of citizens especially as they relate to their community. 

 

Applied Learning Opportunities

 

Basic Shop

Orientation to shop safety with units on basic hand tools and certain power tools.  Small projects will be the vehicle for learning individual and group skills. 

 

Home Maintenance

Areas of emphasis will include home safety, awareness and minor home repairs, such as:  electrical, plumbing, painting, wall repair and general carpentry.  OSHA regulations are carried out.

 

Horticulture

This is an orientation to basic horticulture with an emphasis on:  plant reproductions, planting, maintenance, cultivation and transplantation.  Students will participate in yard care, landscaping, and gardening. 

 

Family and Consumer Sciences

Students will have an opportunity to plan meals, prepare foods, maintain a kitchen and budget management.  Students may also learn hand sewing and basic mending.

 

Drivers Education

This course is designed to prepare students to pass the state’s learner’s permit.  Student must pass their permit exam to get credit.

 

Health Career Awareness

Students will be exposed to careers in Health care.  They will be instructed in basic First Aid, medical equipment and the vocabulary necessary for occupations in the health field. 

 

Living Skills

 

Community Living

This course is designed to provide a systematic instruction to students in the community.  Students will learn to set up and maintain an apartment, to use the post office, stores, Laundromat, bank and other community sites. 

 

Social Skills

Students focus on appropriate problem-solving techniques with opportunities for practice and role-playing.

 

Health

This course gives students basic instruction in the following areas:  hygiene, health, function and care of the human body, sex education, first aid and drug and alcohol abuse. 

 

Parenting

Students learn the responsibilities involved with being a parent and good choices to make when rearing children from birth to adulthood. 

 

On-the-Job Training

Purpose

To provide students with an opportunity to develop appropriate work attitudes at a job site.  The students also develop entry level job skills necessary for employment upon graduation.

 

 

Opportunities Outside of the Program Components

 

Academics

Besides Occupational Development classes, when appropriate, students participate in River Valley Technical Center program and high school mainstream classes.  Examples:  Carpentry, Industrial Trades, Business Management, Culinary Arts, Website Design, Reading Lab, Drama, and Art. 

 

Enrichments

Students are given opportunities to participate in various activities which occur during and after the school day.  Examples:  Visiting Instructors, Arts Academy, projects, plays, sports and clubs.

 

Transition Services

 

Adult Service Agencies

 

Students and parents are given information and opportunities to meet with the appropriate adult service agency during the junior/senior years.  These include but are limited to the following: 

 

Vocational Rehabilitation

 

HCRS

 

Lincoln Street Inc.