EASTCONN Transition Academy (ETA)
Conveniently located in downtown Willimantic, the EASTCONN Transition Academy serves students ages 18 through 22 with a variety of learning, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. Our program is committed to the practices found across all of our specialized programs, including explicit instruction; data-based decision-making; team collaboration; and universal, proactive approaches.
Our Vision
The vision of ETA is clear - to support students and their families as they transition from K-12 schooling to adulthood, including post-secondary education and adult learning. We use student-centered planning to maximize independence, voice, and choice. We prepare students to participate in activities of daily living and access their communities and career opportunities as independently as possible.
Core Features of the ETA Program
Self Determination and Interpersonal Skills Instruction:
- Specialized instruction in functional skills matched to student need
- Areas of instruction, including health and safety, home living and chores, personal finance, social skills, transportation, and self-advocacy
- Dedicated classroom space to learn functional skills in structured settings including an on-site kitchen and laundry space
- Opportunities to apply skills learned in the classroom to community settings
Community Access:
- Central location with access to a variety of community resources including public transportation, banks, grocery stores, shopping centers, and fitness centers
- Support for families to access community-based resources and partner with adult service agencies
- Opportunities to take college classes on local campuses (as appropriate)
Employment Skills:
- Career exploration to help students find job opportunities aligned with their interests and strengths
- Access to a variety of job placements in the community with support and coaching from ETA staff
- Development of job readiness skills through explicit instruction and coaching to develop and strengthen students' ability to obtain and maintain employment
EASTCONN Transition Academy - Program Components
Connecticut Core Transition Skills
ETA staff strive to provide all ETA students with the skills needed as they transition to life after school. To that end, the Connecticut Core Transition Skills are used to guide our work across all components of ETA.
Career Explorations
Through partnerships with a wide variety of businesses in the local community, students have access to a broad range of opportunities based on their abilities, skills, and areas of interest. The young adults in ETA are gaining valuable experiences while working with various businesses and organizations.
Activities of Daily Living Skills
Students will have the opportunity to acquire skills within the ETA building in the following areas: cooking and baking, housekeeping, laundry, dining and hospitality, personal finance, general office skills, entrepreneurial skills, and more.
Community Experiences
Students spend a great deal of time in the community, from working with area businesses, connecting with adult agencies, and going on community trips. They learn skills to help them live as independently as possible and to build social skills.
Connections with Adult Service Agencies
After graduation, adult service agencies are available to work with and support ETA students and their families. To assist students with accessing these agencies, ETA helps students and families make connections and form relationships based on individual needs. These agencies may include: Bureau of Rehabilitation Services (BRS), Department of Developmental Services (DDS), Department of Social Services (DSS), and American Job Centers (AJC).
Post-Secondary Opportunities
ETA students have numerous opportunities to participate in a variety of educational experiences. ETA staff will support students who are interested in participating in college-level classes.
Referral Process
Intake Criteria for ETA:
Students ages 18-22 currently eligible for special education who require transition services beyond high school.
Sending Districts Should Forward Referral Packets to:
Amy Margelony, Director of Schools and Programs
376 Hartford Turnpike
Hampton, CT 06247
Referral packets must contain the following:
- Authorization to Release and Transfer Records with parent/legal guardian signatures
- Summary of Performance (SOP) if completed at the time of referral
- Parent/guardian contact information
- The applying student's three most recent Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
- Most recent Re-evaluation Report
- Evaluations (Educational, Psychoeducational, Related Services, Transition Related, etc.)
- Data/reports/graphs that showcase student skills in relevant content areas of their IEP
Student & Family Visit to ETA:
- EASTCONN coordinates a time/date for a visit to our program
- Director's visit to the student's sending school (if appropriate)
- Student completes a shadow day at ETA
- ETA staff determines acceptance and notifies the sending district
- Transition PPT to occur with EASTCONN participation
- Intake packet needs to be completed prior to start
Our ETA Team
Members of the ETA staff work collaboratively to support students in educational, community, and employment settings. They work with districts and families to provide quality transition services.
Members of the ETA team include:
- Special education teachers
- Special education instructors and instructional assistants
- Vocational job coordinators
- Related service providers
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) support
- Clinical support
