Preparing your child to be “Job Ready”
IN A PRACTICAL SENSE THINK ABOUT WHAT IS NEEDED TO BE EMPLOYABLE:
- Focus/attention to task, interpersonal skills, flexibility, communication, follow directions, accept constructive feedback, initiation, problem solving skills, managing stress, confidence, team player, time management
- Marketable skills
- Social and community relationships outside of work
- Stamina/maintain adequate pace and healthy habits
- Transportation skills
- Some community independence and safety skills
WAYS FOR YOUR CHILD TO BUILD THE ABOVE NEEDED SKILLS:
- Enroll in community classes
- Experiences in the community whether it is personal or professional
- School services – transition plan by age 14 incorporated into IEP
- Enroll in Community Habilitation Services
- Recreational programs
- Volunteer in your community
- Chores/expectations at home
- Caring for a pet or volunteering at a shelter to walk dogs
- Following a schedule
- Incorporate healthy habits – fitness, good eating habits, developing routines
- Develop skills to travel in community (use public transportation offered in your county)
- Obtain identification such as a non-driver’s license
- Apply for services for developmental disabilities early
- Explore Vocational Rehabilitation services
- Look at required skills and abilities for specific job titles – O*NET is a useful resource
- Enroll in Waiver Services that provide pre-employment services*
*Services for adults transitioned out of high school
It is really never too early or too late to start preparing your child for employment. It is a mindset that you want to spill over to your child. Do not set the bar too low. Make vocational learning a priority and remember for all of us it is a lifeline process.
EXPOSURE, EXPLORATION, EXPERIENCE, EVALUATION, EDUCATION, EXPECTATIONS, & EMPOWERMENT