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Preloved Boutique Project: Practical Occupational Therapy Strategies for Transition Success Amy M. Landosky, MSOT alandosky@mcsssd.us Patricia Pelc, BScOT ppelc@mcsssd.us CAOT Centennial Conference 2026 Sample IEP Goals Prom Boutique Retrospective Review References: 1. Almalky, H. A. (2020). Employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A literature review. Children and Youth Services Review, 109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104656 2. AOTA. (2020). Occupational therapy practice framework: Domain and process—fourth edition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(Supplement 2), 1–87. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.74S2001 3. Cahill, S. M., & Beisbier, S. (2020). Occupational therapy practice guidelines for children and youth ages 5–21 years. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 74(4), 1–48. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2020.744001 4. Carroll, T. C., Hollenbeck, J., Majeski, K., & Schwind, D. (2025). The crucial need for occupational therapy to prioritize postsecondary transition. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 79(1). https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2025.050944 5. Cheng, L., & Richardson, K. (2023). IEL youth transition reports: Outcomes for youth and young adults with disabilities (2023). Institute for Educational Leadership. https://iel.org/iel-youth-transition-reports-outcomes-for-youth-and-young-adults-with-disabilities-2023/ 6. Every Student Succeeds Act, 20 U.S.C. § 6301 (2015). U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/essa 7. Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 20 U.S.C. § 1400 (2004). U.S. Department of Education. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/ 8. Kardos, M., & Prudhomme White, B. (2005). The role of the school-based occupational therapist in secondary education transition planning: A pilot survey study. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 59(2), 173–180. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.59.2.173 9. Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., & Test, D. W. (2020). Secondary transition predictors of postschool success: An update to the research base. Sage Journals, 44(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2165143420959793 10. National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The collaborative. (2021). Predictors of post school success. https://transitionta.org/effective-practices/all-predictors/ 11. Pierce, D., Sakemiller, L., Spence, A., & LoBianco, T. (2020). Effectiveness of transition readiness interventions by school-based occupational therapy personnel. OTJR: Occupation, Participation, and Health, 40(1), 27–35. https://doi.org/10.1177/1539449219850129 12. Pierce, D., Spence, A., Sakemiller, L., & Roberts, C. (2021). School-based transition readiness services for adolescents with disabilities. Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools, & Early Intervention, 14(2), 207–224. https://doi.org/10.1080/19411243.2020.1835601U 13. Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, 29 U.S.C. § 3101 (2014). U.S. Department of Labor. https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/training/wioa

Nurses Corner Allergic Reaction Asthma Action Plan Diabetic Illness Exclusions Immunization Requirements Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations Medications Physical Form Seizure Action Plan Sports Forms This form is to be completed by the healthcare provider when a student requires emergency medication for an allergic reaction and/or this form is to be completed by the parent/guardian indicating whether or not the student is capable of self-administering emergency medication. This form also has a section for parents/guardians to authorize a trained designee to administer emergency medication in the absence of the school nurse. Parents, please sign the form. *Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan Allergic Reaction - Parent Authorization English Spanish Checklist

Special Services & SEPAG We know that every child can learn but recognize they do not all learn the same way—the pathway in pursuit of excellence and educational fulfillment looks different for everyone. Ultimately, we strive to work with families as well as the entire school community to assure that each child with a disability is educated in a supportive environment where understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of learning differences prevail. The special services program is designed to help children who require modified programs because of physical, emotional, or learning problems. Eligibility for these services is determined by a Child Study Team evaluation of the child. Project Child Find PROJECT CHILD FIND is a free referral service and public awareness campaign designed to assist in the identification of children with a delay or disability from birth through twenty-one years of age. Parents or guardians who have any concerns or questions regarding their children's growth and development should call 1-800-322-8174. Efforts include assisting families of infants and toddlers, birth through two, who are concerned about the development of their child. Questions about your infant or toddler should be directed to the Special Child Health Case Management Unit at 1-888-653-4463. Special Education Parent Advisory Group A Special Education Parent Advisory Group or SEPAG is a state-mandated, district-level, parent-driven group charged with providing input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services. It is a collaboration and partnership with the district to better improve services in special education. The SEPAG meets to collaborate with the district’s director of Special Services and administrators. SEPAG supports the development and implementation of programs and best practices to sufficiently meet the needs of special education students and families in the district. SEPAG offers the opportunity to raise questions, voice your concerns, and provide direct input to administrators regarding support services. SEPAG also provides parents and families opportunities to learn about district programs, services, and resources. Who Should Attend the SEPAG Meetings? SEPAG meetings are open to all members of the school community, but may be especially helpful to anyone with a student eligible for or receiving services under an IEP, a student we are currently evaluating, or those considering a request for an evaluation. 2025-2026 SEPAG Meetings All meetings will be held virtually Click the date below to visit the Google Meet: Thursday, January 22nd - Postponed Thursday, March 26th Thursday, May 28th Interested in joining the SEPAG? Reach out to Kristen Taylor at ktaylor@mcsssd.us Many of your questions may be answered by accessing the following: NJ Dept of Education: Parental Rights in Special Education Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a Federal law that protects the privacy of student education records.

More Information Health Benefits Retirement Leave of Absence & FMLA Affimative Action & ADA Attendance System Frontline Basic Training Frontline Advanced Training Public School Works Safety Training Employment Opportunities Open Enrollment Open Enrollment Open Enrollment Guide The Open Enrollment period will take place from November 10, 2025, through November 21, 2025. This year, we will be holding a Passive Open Enrollment, which means your current Medical, Prescription, and Dental coverage will automatically continue for the 2026 plan year unless you choose to make changes. You must complete and return an enrollment form: Enroll in Medical/Prescription/Dental coverage for the first time Add or terminate dependents from your coverage (this includes aging out) Waive or change your current Medical/Prescription/Dental benefits Please note that there are two different enrollment forms based on your hire date: Employees hired BEFORE July 1, 2020, may choose from Direct Access 10 and Direct Access 15 as well as NJEHP and GSP Employees hired AFTER July 1, 2020, may only choose from NJEHP and GSP

Project ADULTS Project ADULTS (Accessing, Developing, and Utilizing Life Transition Skills) Program Coordinator Anne Marie Salerno, LSW Phone: 609-570-1168 Project ADULTS provides a continuum of services for young adults aimed at bridging the gap between school and adult life. Funded by the Mercer County Aging and Disability Resource Connection, Project ADULTS works with students approaching graduation from Mercer High School as well as students with disabilities referred from Mercer County public high schools. Project ADULTS staff helps young adults with disabilities and their families prepare for the transition to adult life. After graduation, Project ADULTS provides direct services such as counseling, information, referral services, and general service coordination to young adults and their families as they navigate the world of adult services. Project ADULTS also provides leadership to a countywide organization, the Mercer Area Partnership for Transition (MAP). MAP's mission is to improve the transition from school to adult life for young adults with disabilities. MAP draws its membership from the staff of Mercer County high schools, state agencies, support coordination agencies, community services providers, family members, and consumers. MAP shares information with members through regular e-blasts and quarterly meetings. MAP has partnered with other agencies to organize training sessions and provider fairs and develops resource materials for the community. Helpful Links When Planning for Your Young Adult Person-Centered Planning http://www.learningcommunity.us Person-Centered Planning & Supports (rutgers.edu) http://www.pacer.org/transition/learning-center/independent-community-living/person-centered.asp Transition and Adult Services http://planningforadultlife.org http://www.fscnj.org/transition-matters/ Division of Developmental Disabilities | Home (nj.gov) Career Services | Vocational Rehabilitation Services (nj.gov) Post-Secondary Education FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid https://www.collegeboard.org www.thinkcollege.net Job Corps and AmeriCorps Students - Job Corps http://www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps/americorps-vista Transportation Home | NJ TRANSIT | New Jersey Transit Corporation | New Jersey TRADE Transportation | Mercer County, NJ Career Exploration https://www.onetonline.org Career Services (nj.gov) Self-Advocacy http://www.ncwd-youth.info/411-on-disability-disclosure Social Security and SSI https://www.ssa.gov/disability/index.htm Guardianship http://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/resources/guardianship-go-bag.html NJ Department of Human Services – Guardianship

Mercer Coordinated Transportation Services Mercer Coordinated Transportation Services provides busing and drivers to the districts within Mercer County and the surrounding areas. Transportation transportation @mcsssd.us Fax: 609-570-1173 Sindy Godby, Coordinator 609-631-2133 Christine Wells, Assistant Coordinator 609-631-2120 Sharon Michels, Secretary 609-631-2121 MCTS District Information Form Submission Mercer Coordinated Transportation Services Sindy Godby, Transportation Coordinator 609-631-2133 Christine Wells, Assistant Transportation Coordinator 609-631-2120 Sharon Michels, Transportation Secretary

MCSSSD Calendar 2025-26 School Calendar - Updated NEW! - ESY 2026 Calendar NEW! - 2026-27 School Calendar Subscribe to our District Google Calendar!

More Information Health Benefits Retirement Leave of Absence & FMLA Affimative Action & ADA Attendance System Frontline Basic Training Frontline Advanced Training Public School Works Safety Training Employment Opportunities Open Enrollment Health Benefits MCSSSD Benefits - BenePortal Open Enrollment Information Open Enrollment takes place annually and provides eligible employees the opportunity to review and make changes to their benefit elections. During this period, you may: Choose a different medical and/or prescription plan Add or remove eligible dependents Enroll in coverage if newly eligible under the District’s plans Waive existing coverage NJEHP Contribution Calculator Important: Outside of Open Enrollment, changes to your benefits can only be made if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child, or loss of other coverage. To take advantage of this enrollment opportunity, you must submit your request within 30 days of the qualifying event. For guidance or to initiate a change, please contact the Human Resources Department: 609-631-2106 modeamer@mcsssd.us Mercer County Special Services School District offers a benefits package to employees. Eligible employees may enroll in one or more Health Benefit Plans: Medical Prescription Dental This section is designed to help you easily navigate the process of requesting a Board-Approved Leave of Absence. If you’ve been informed that a leave of absence may be appropriate, the next step is to formally designate the type of leave such as Medical, FMLA, NJFLA, Military, or other applicable categories. What to Do: Email modeamer@mcsssd.us for the appropriate forms. Submit all completed documentation to the HR Department for review.

Nurses Corner Allergic Reaction Asthma Action Plan Diabetic Illness Exclusions Immunization Requirements Injury, Surgery and Hospitalizations Medications Physical Form Seizure Action Plan Sports Forms We, as school nurses, try to keep our school environment as healthy as possible. We can only do this with your help. These exclusions are an effort to control the spread of communicable diseases/illnesses to both students and staff. The following is a guide as to when to keep your child home from school. A child who is ill or not feeling well cannot benefit from the usual school activities. Please call your school nurses anytime your child will be absent from school. You can find the phone numbers by clicking here . School Related Illnesses Vomiting/Diarrhea: Students with vomiting and /or diarrhea should not return to school until symptom-free for 24 hours. Strep Throat: Students need to be on antibiotic therapy for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. Pink Eye: (Bacterial Conjunctivitis): Students need to be on antibiotic drops for a minimum of 24 hours and have NO active drainage from the eye before returning to school. Skin Infections: If your child has any open, draining wounds on their skin, please have them evaluated by your physician. Respiratory Illness/COVID: Covid now falls under the Respiratory Virus guidelines. Students should remain out of school for 24 hours if they have a fever or significant symptoms stopping them from learning. They can return to school after 24 hours fever-free without fever-reducing medication and if their symptoms are improving. The CDC/NJDOH recommends masks for the next 5 days and avoiding unnecessarily exposing others to illness. Fever: Any student with a temperature of 100 degrees or more is excluded from school and shall not return until remaining fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications: Tylenol/Ibuprofen. The following symptoms are general indications of illness: A fever of 100 degrees or higher A prolonged nasal discharge accompanied by other symptoms Persistent cough Diarrhea Headache and/or irritability Illness Exclusions Guidelines

CONTACT US Mercer County Special Services School District 1020 Old Trenton Road Hamilton, NJ 08690 609-631-2100 Please Select The School You Want To Contact Joseph F. Cappello School Mercer Elementary School Mercer High School VISIT US Google Maps Directions Mercer County Special Services School District is located on the Campus of Mercer County Community College. If you enter from the Hughes Drive Entrance, MCSSSD is the first right after you enter the college property.

MCSSSD Cooperative Pricing System #103-MCSSSDCPS Resolution-Cooperative Pricing Enrollment MCSSSD 2024 Cooperative Pricing System Agreement Dynamic Security Bid Results Award of Roof Technician - VMG Group Waste and Recycling BID 24-25 to 26-27 Kitchen Repair (Partially Federally Funded) Absolute Protective Systems, Inc Bid Pricing Sheet Bid No. 103-MCSSSDCPS-26-01 Building Physical Security-Dynamic Bid No. 103-MCSSSDCPS-26-02 Fire Alarm Fire-Life Safety Systems Bid No. 103-MCSSSDCPS-26-03 - Generator Maintenance BID No. 103-MCSSSDCPS-CC 26-01 Therapy Services Bid No. 103- MCSSSDCPS-26-01 Building Physical Security Please follow the instructions below for requesting participation in the above Coop: For acceptance into the Coop: Have your district approve a resolution (see sample) to enter the Coop and return it completed to Udaya Batchu at ubatchu@mcsssd.us Mercer County Special Services School District (MCSSSD) will then request approval of their Board of Education. If approved by the Board of Education, you will be sent a Cooperative Pricing System Agreement (see sample) for signature. Both resolutions (requestor and MCSSSD) and the signed agreement will be sent to the State by the MCSSSD Business Office for acceptance. Please be aware that this process could take approximately 60 days or more depending on the Board of Education meeting schedule. Feel free to contact the MCSSSD Business Office at 609.631.2104 with any questions.

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