Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act,
educational agencies are responsible for assisting students with
special needs to make a successful transition from school to adult
living. Quality planning and preparation promotes and
empowers students to advocate for themselves, create a personal vision,
identify opportunities, discover their strengths and weakness, narrow
their career paths, and feel more confident in their ability to
accomplish their future dreams and goals.
Agency and Government Resources
California Department of Education
The Core Purpose of the California Department of
Education is to lead and support the continuous improvement of student
achievement, with a specific focus on closing achievement gaps.
California Department of Labor
The Department of Industrial Relations was established to
improve working conditions for California's wage earners, and to
advance opportunities for profitable employment in California.
California Parent
This is a parent involvement program funded by
The US Department of Education. It is administered by San Diego State
University Foundation; June Burnett Institute.
Council for Exceptional Children
The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) works to
improve the educational success of individuals with disabilities
and/or gifts and talents.
Employment Development Department
The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a
comprehensive range of employment and training services in
partnership with state and local agencies and organizations.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN provides free consulting service to individuals with physical or intellectual limitations that affect employment.
National Center for Children with Disabilities
The center provides information on: disabilities in
children and youth; programs and services for infants, children, and
youth with disabilities; IDEA, the nation's special education law; No
Child Left Behind, the nation's general education law; and
research-based information on effective practices for children with
disabilities.
National Council on Disabilities
National Council on Disabilities continues to serve
people with disabilities by publishing information and
recommendations meant to enhance the quality of lives for people with
disabilities.
Office of Civil Rights
Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities.
San Diego Regional Center
The San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) serves as a focal
point in the community through which a person with a developmental
disability and his or her family can obtain services and be linked to
other community resources within San Diego and Imperial counties.
Social Security
Social Security offices are located throughout the nation
to assist people with all of their social security needs.
Youth at Work
The United States Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission's (EEOC) website for youth in the workforce. The EEOC's
goal is to eliminate illegal discrimination from the workplace for
all workers.
Youth Rules
Provides information for teens, parents, educators, and
employers. Early work experiences can be rewarding for young workers -
providing great opportunities to learn important job skills.
College Resources
ACT
Information on the ACT assessment for College Bound students.
California Community Colleges
Information about each of our 109 colleges: location, program offerings, and student services.
California State Universities - How to Get to College
Students can plan early and follow the steps in each grade
level to prepare for college. Families can also see how they can help
students succeed.
California State University Mentor
How to plan for and apply to the California State University.
Explore Financial Aid
Find and pay for college. Explore financial aid.
Federal Student Aid FAFSA
Free application for Federal Student Aid.
Getting Ready for College Early
A handbook for parents of students in the middle and junior high school years.
Mapping Your Future
No matter what you dream of doing with your life, preparing
yourself for life (and most likely education) after high school is
important. Mapping Your Future can help! For middle and high school
students.
Palomar College
Student services are provided to support student success.
PSAT
A standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™.
SAT
Background and registration information for the SAT assessment.
Think College
A student resource to think about college and options.
Universities of California
This web site aims to assist high school educators in designing
courses that meet both the University of California subject area
requirements and conform to school curricular reform efforts.
Virtual College Campus Tours
View your favorite campuses on-line.
Laws and Regulations
Conservatorship – Superior Court of San Diego County
A Self-Help Guide to conservatorships.
Kids and Law – A Parent’s Guide (ordering information)
“Get the Legal Facts of Life” brochures.
Notice of Procedural Safeguards
Revised January 2009, Notice of Procedural Safeguards for parents/guardians of students with disabilities.
US Department of Labor
The safety of young workers is of paramount importance to the
Department of Labor. In this site, you will find rules and regulations
regarding youth employment.
The Why, When, What, and How of Disclosure
While federal law mandates that a person with a disability be
given needed accommodations, it will be up to the person with the
disability to decide whether or not to share information in their
education/training or employment setting.
Work Permits
This site provides guidelines and information on Work Permits.
Youth Rules
Through the Youth Rules initiative, the U.S. Department of Labor
and its partners seek to promote positive and safe work experiences that
help prepare young workers to enter the 21st Century workforce.
Local Community Agencies
2-1-1 San Diego
211 is San Diego's primary source for community, health, and disaster information.
Big Brothers and Sisters of San Diego
Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County serves children,
ages 7 through 18, in six distinct programs: Amachi, Bigs in Schools,
Community Mentoring, High School Bigs, Operation Bigs, and Sports Bigs.
Community Catalysts of California
Community Catalysts of California is a not for profit, charitable
organization that provides vocational counseling, job placement,
community-living skills training, residential support, in-home respite
care, crisis intervention, and other services to individuals with
disabilities.
Community Health Improvement Partners
The Community Health Improvement Partners (CHIP) is a
collaboration of San Diego health care systems, hospitals, community
clinics, insurers, physicians, universities, community benefit
organizations, and the County of San Diego who are dedicated to a
common vision.
Easter Seals Disability Services
Easter Seals provides exceptional services to ensure that all
people with disabilities or other special needs and their families have
equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities.
Educational COMPACT
Escondido Education COMPACT* is a unique and nontraditional
organization designed to provide youth with job readiness, training, and
linkages to employment.
Episcopal Community Services of San Diego
Episcopal Community Services programs encompass a broad range of
social services: chronic homelessness, mental health, domestic
violence, child and family services, emergency groceries and substance
abuse education.
Families for Literacy, Escondido City Public Library
The Families for Literacy Program provides special services for Adults who are enrolled in the Adult Literacy Program and who have children between the ages of 0-5yrs.
Goodwill Industries
Goodwill's programs and services are designed to assist people
with disabilities in San Diego County gain employment skills and find a
job.
Jewish Family Service, One Source for a Lifetime of Help
Jewish Family Service is a comprehensive social service
organization with nine locations throughout San Diego County and an
office in Palm Desert, serving the Coachella Valley. From its early
grassroots origins, the agency now serves over 20,000 people annually.
Partnerships with Industry
Partnerships with Industry provides job training, placement, and
ongoing support services for adults with developmental disabilities to
work in the community.
Red Cross
The Red Cross offers individual and community classes to improve safety. (CPR, Baby Sitting, Wilderness safety, etc.).
San Diego Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired
The mission of the Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired is to
increase the abilities of any adult with blindness or vision impairment
to reach their own highest level of independence.
San Diego Workforce Partnership
The San Diego Workforce Partnership provides employment related
services to local businesses and job seekers through a network of
countywide One Stop Career Centers.
St. Clare’s Home – Escondido
St. Clare's two year program for homeless and abused women
includes: Education & Career Guidance including Life Skills
Classes on Health Care, Safety, Parenting Nutrition, Domestic Violence
& Child Abuse Prevention Education, Computer stuff, Journaling, Art
Therapy, Anger Management and more.
The ARC of San Diego
The Arc of San Diego is a private, not-for-profit corporation, it
is one of the region's largest human-service agencies. It has a rich
tradition of developing quality programs for children and adults with
developmental disabilities.
Toward Maximum Independence
Toward Maximum Independence helps people with disabilities with community living, employment, and family support.
Local Job Resources
Escondido Educational Compact
Provides employment opportunities and work readiness skills.
Job Options
Job Options works in partnership with government and commercial
customers for outsourcing of high quality, reliable and cost-effective
support services. It is a San Diego-based not-for-profit company that
provides professional service personnel, many of whom have severe
mental, physical or psychological disabilities, in basic services such
as janitorial, food service, laundry, administrative and clerical,
commissary inventory management, and shelf-stocking services.
Jobing San Diego
Jobs listed by region in San Diego County.
San Diego Zoological Society
The Zoological Society of San Diego is a conservation, education,
and recreation organization dedicated to the reproduction, protection,
and exhibition of animals, plants, and their habitats.
Sign On San Diego
This provides job information found in the San Diego Union Classifieds.
Military
Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) – Practice Tests 1-3
These tests will give you an idea of how you'll score and identify areas that need improvement.
Today’s Military
This site provides information to students, parents, and educators
for the Military as a career option. Over 150 training options
Parent Guides and Information
A Middle School Parent's College Prep Guide
You and your child need to start planning for college no later than
middle school. Here are seven steps your child and family should take.
Conservatorship – Superior Court of San Diego County
A Self-Help Guide to conservatorships.
Getting Ready for College Early
A handbook for parents of students in the middle and junior high school years.
Improving Postsecondary Outcomes for All Students with Disabilities
This Technical Assistance Guide assists in implementing evidence-based and promising practices ensuring students with disabilities, including those with significant disabilities, graduate prepared for success in postsecondary education and employment.
Kids and Law – A Parent’s Guide (ordering information)
“Get the Legal Facts of Life” brochures.
Reality Check
After high school, students will need to work to earn money for
food, housing, recreation, etc. Find out how much money they will need
and what occupations will help them finance their lifestyle.
Pre-Employment / Work Readiness Skills
411 on Disability Disclosure
A downloadable workbook that helps young people make informed
decisions about whether or not to disclose their disability and
understand how that decision may impact their education, employment, and
social lives.
California Career Zone Resources
Explore interests, jobs that fit your personality, and conduct a
reality check to make sure you will have enough money to pay your
bills.
California Labor Market Information
Information for job seekers looking for work or seeking a career change.
California Occupational Guides
Includes job description, job outlook and wages, and qualification requirements.
Career Kids, My first Resume
Here's an easy way to put together a resume’. Simply follow the
directions and watch how your skills and interests can turn into a
valuable resume.
Career Training
Apprenticeship is career preparation.
CareerToolbox – Best-Job-Interview
What you Need to Know to Get the Job you Want – Interview
Employability Skills 2000+
A brochure that demonstrates the skills you need to enter, stay
in, and progress in the world of work—whether you work on your own or as
a part of a team.
Employment Development Department
The Employment Development Department (EDD) provides a
comprehensive range of employment and training services in partnership
with state and local agencies and organizations.
Monster
Career advice and resources for those with a job and those
looking to find a new job. Monster’s career resources help you to work
better.
San Diego Workforce Partnership
The San Diego Workforce Partnership provides employment related
services to local businesses and job seekers through a network of
countywide One Stop Career Centers.
Skills for Today’s Workforce
Links to a variety of sources that contain necessary workplace skills.
WorkAbility I
A California Transition Program - Students Learn to Earn.
Recreation / Leisure
Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs of North County
California Center of the Performing Arts
The Center provides a variety of year round, high quality programs that are educational and fun.
Palomar College
Non-credit classes are also offered at Palomar College.
Salvation Army Kroc Center
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is a 12-acre family support, education, recreation, and cultural arts facility.
San Diego Parks and Recreation
Information on sports and recreation opportunities throughout San Diego.
San Diego Zoological Society
The Zoological Society of San Diego is a conservation, education,
and recreation organization dedicated to the reproduction, protection,
and exhibition of animals, plants, and their habitats.
Sports for Exceptional Athletes
San Diego-based sports program serving athletes with developmental disabilities ages 5 through adult.
The Miracle League
The Miracle League of Del Mar (dba Miracle League of San Diego)
is a charitable organization that provides children with mental or
physical challenges an opportunity to play baseball as a team member in
an organized league.
YMCA
YMCAs strive to achieve their mission of building strong kids,
strong families and strong communities, and reinforce the YMCA core
values.
Self Assessment (Learning Styles, Interests, Personality, and Career)
Abilities Quiz
You can get a list of occupations to explore and match your abilities profile.
California Career Zone
Learn about careers in California (with video clips), assess yourself, and explore the Reality Check.
Career Fulfillment
Career success strategies for your personality type.
Career Perfect- Quick Work Preference Inventory
This is a quick Work Preference Inventory.
Career Quiz
Career Quiz will help you identify what types of work you most like doing.
Data, People, Things Quiz
All occupations combine working with data/information, people, and things in different ways and to varying degrees.
VARK — How do I learn Best?
This is an on-line learning style questionnaire.
What is your Learning Style?
An on-line assessment. Everybody has a preferred learning style.
Knowing and understanding our learning style helps us to learn more
effectively.
Who do you want to be?
California Community College sponsored site that provides information on career pathways.
Work Place Preference Quiz
On-line work preference quiz.
Work Values Quiz
Values are important clues to what kind of work and work conditions you would like.
Study Skills
Helping My Student Develop a Better Memory
Ideas and links to provide parents with information to help their
student develop a stronger memory and longer attention span.
Helping Students Become Organized with a Filing System
The Master Filing System for paper is one effective strategy that
helps students with learning disabilities manage their materials.
Helping Your Child Develop Organizational Skills
A detailed article that helps parents to create a step-by-step approach to helping their child become organized.
Study Guides and Strategies
This is a public service, helping learners to succeed since 1996.
Study Skills – A Handout for Parents
Help your child complete homework, increase organizational skills, and create a plan for improving academic skills.
Test Taking Strategies
Improve your test taking skills by following a few simple steps.
Teacher Guides and Information
Brain Boosters
Brain Boosters offers on-line activities for your kids including educational games and brain teasers.
California Career Zone Resources
California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards
Technical Education standards for grades 7-12..
California High School Proficiency Examination
This site will educate you about California High School
Proficiency Exam and provide registration information and instructions
for taking the test in your area.
Consumer Jungle
Complete an on-line budget check to see if your estimates of income and expenses are realistic.
I CANS Integrated Curriculum for Achieving Necessary Skills
Developed as a skills-based instructional system for all providers of basic skills instruction to youth and adults.
Intervention Central
Intervention Central offers free tools and resources to help
school staff and parents to promote positive classroom behaviors and
foster effective learning for all children and youth.
Occupational Outlook Handbook
The handbook tells about the training and education needed; the
earnings expectations; job prospects; what workers do on the job and
working conditions for most jobs.
On-line Instructional Tools
A variety of sources to support and expand classroom lessons.
Portfolio Guides for Middle and High School Students
Reality Check
After high school, students will need to work to earn money for
food, housing, recreation, etc. Find out how much money they will need
and what occupations will help them finance their lifestyle.
School to Career
School-To-Career professional development Toolkit is a Resource
Guide for educators, counselors and career staff to support integrated
teaching strategies and principles of school-to-career.
Strategies That Work for Students Grade 9 to 12 with Dyslexia
A teacher shares ideas of what has worked when working with students who have significant learning problems.
Study Guides and Strategies
This is a public service helping learners to succeed since 1996.
Transition and Self-Advocacy
Developing self-knowledge is the first step in self-advocacy skills.
US Department of Labor
Publications provided free of charge related to people with disabilities in the workforce.
Youth Hood Transition
Curriculum guide for career planning.
Transportation Opportunities (Access to public transportation)
California Driver’s Education – QUIA
Practice exams for the California driver’s license test.
Department of Motor Vehicles
Resources for driver’s licensing and vehicle registration.
North County Transit Center
Link to information regarding San Diego’s North County Transit schedules, fees, etc.
Street Sign Game
An on-line game to increase street sign knowledge.
Vocational (Trades) Training
411 Disability Disclosure - A Workbook for Youth with Disabilities
The workbook helps students make informed decisions about disclosing
their disability, decisions that will affect their educational,
employment, and social lives.
California Conservation Corp
Career Technical Education (CTE)
Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways offer students an opportunity to build on their academic core preparation while receiving career-focused training.
Job Corp
Job Corps' mission is to attract eligible young adults, teach
them the skills they need to become employable and independent, and
place them in meaningful jobs or further education.
Palomar College Apprenticeships
Three to five year apprenticeship programs.
Palomar College Occupations
Prepares students for careers.
San Diego Urban Corp
The Urban Corps of San Diego provides job training and
educational opportunities to young adults, in the fields of
conservation, recycling, and community service which will assist these
youths in becoming more employable, while protecting San Diego’s
natural resources and instilling the importance of community
involvement.
US Department of Labor Employment and Training
Provides links to apprenticeship sponsors who may be accepting applications throughout the United States.
Volunteer Resources
San Diego Humane Society
Volunteers are an indispensable part of their community
events, outreach programs, and the daily well-being of animals in
their care.
Habitat for Humanity
Donors and volunteers are the foundation of Habitat's
work in San Diego County. Habitat welcomes volunteers to join them in
many ways to build hope for family partners in need.
Helen Woodward Animal Center
The Center serves the community by teaching and practicing humane behavior toward man and all living things.
U-T San Diego Jobs
Volunteer opportunities that appear in the U-T San Diego newspaper.
