THE COLLEGE CONNECTION

The Baltimore County Public School Life Skills Program at
The Community College of Baltimore County Essex
(410)780-6868

I. What is ‘The College Connection’?

The College Connection is a Baltimore County Public School life skills program for individuals with mild to moderate Developmental Disabilities. It is located on the Essex campus of the Community Colleges of Baltimore County. Individuals aged 19 (DOB before Sept. 1) to 21 years who continue to need Special Education or who have continuing needs for transition as evidenced by the Individual Education Plan (IEP) are considered for placement. Students who turn 21 the first day of the school year or thereafter are eligible to complete the year as their last.

II. What is the rationale for the ‘The College Connection’?

The intention of the program is to provide an age-appropriate setting for students to participate in the educational process in their transition years at school. Students receive instruction in functional academics, occupational planning, life skills, and recreation and leisure. Being on a college campus offers students a wealth of resources. Students participate in college activities, visit the Art Gallery, use the library, attend Music Forums, swim in the pool, play racquetball, utilize the gym during free hour, and, may attend college classes. They may take advantage of the Career Placement Center where they have access to Visions Plus, a database of job listings and vocational inquiry including a Resume maker. Students are introduced to adult activities and life skills needed to make a transition from public school to work and adult life. All students work at individual worksites. Placements have included nearby Health-Care Facilities, Nursing Homes, Elementary Schools, Private Schools, Day Care at the college, the college bookstore, McDonald’s, Jiffy Lube, supermarkets, landscaping sites, factories, and local businesses.

III. Where do the students come from and where do they go?

Students enrolled in the program are currently from Overlea High, and Perry Hall High School life skills programs. On school days (usually Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) students travel from home to Essex by school bus. The school day program hours are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Students work at least two days per week at individual work sites (hours vary). Transportation to and from work sites may include; walking, MTA, county ride, biking, taking a cab, school bus, or getting a ride.

IV. What is the transition process for these students?

Prior to "graduation", students are introduced to the transition process to facilitate ease in adjusting from school to work. Students may attend Transition Forums where they receive important information about The Governor’s Transition Initiative. Here students have the opportunity to meet with service providers that may assist them vocationally after graduation. In some cases, student’s may be tested by service providers, given vocational training, and placed at job sites with or without job coaching. When they reach 21 years of age, they will receive a state certificate of program completion from the Baltimore County Public School System in a ceremony honoring all college life skills graduates. In addition, they will also receive a certificate of achievement for participating in ‘The College Connection’. Beginning the transition process before graduation is often the edge that these student’s need to become productive members of society.

V. What is the eligibility criteria for entry into ‘The College Connection’?

VI. How is eligibility determined?

Schools must contact the coordinator assigned to their area to discuss eligibility of each student meeting the above criteria by January 31. -If area coordinator agrees with eligibility, the school will invite the college life skills teacher to the IEP team. CAUTION --- In the NE and NW, boundaries are set by transportation and must be followed.