R1TS #1

The R1TS is a program established to provide a bridge between the Region 1 high school programs and adult activities for students who need additional support to meet the demands of life after high school. 

The R1TS Program is intended to help participants make the needed connections with post-school programs, supports, adult agencies and activities that will help them transition into meaningful adult life roles.

The R1TS will concentrate its work in the three areas of transition:  Employment, Community Involvement and Home Living.

Eligibility

 The program services students who have completed their local high school requirements but need additional support to develop competitive work, social and life skills.  The students may reside in any of the Region 1 School Districts. These districts include:  Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Kenowa Hills, Kent City, Northview, Rockford, and Sparta.

Prerequisites:
Students must be a minimum of 18 years of age upon entrance to the program.
Students will be evaluated annually and expect to reach their goals within two years.
Students must have completed their high school academic requirements.
Students must show evidence that they will be safe and secure within the community without educational staff present.
Students must show evidence of the potential for competitive employment, including a desire to work.

Programs & Activities

Job Training
Participants will have the opportunity to train at a variety of sites to gain employability skills enabling them to make informed decisions on a career path. The ultimate goal of this program is to have students become as independent as possible.

Employment
Students will explore employment options and how to obtain and maintain them including: entrepreneurships, volunteerism, independent and supported work settings.

Community Involvement
Participants have the opportunity to explore different recreation and leisure opportunities available in their communities and how to make necessary connections.  This will also be a time for students to practice safety, transportation, money and social skills in local surroundings.

Home Living
Students will work on learning life skills. These may include:  cooking, laundry, housekeeping, phone skills, time management, money skills, how to find housing.

Referrals:
Referrals are initiated at the local district level by the student's IEP Team. 

R1TS #3

The R1TS #3 Program functions similarly to R1TS #1. R1TS #3 is designed for students who have mild or moderate cognitive impairments and who require supervision while learning life skills and how to be safe in the community.