The Post-Secondary program is set in a university environment.
St. Anthony’s Post-Secondary Program is based at both Duquesne University and The University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh. This concept is entirely unique to both the area and the U.S.
We also offer to academically qualified students at Carlow University the opportunity to be considered for participation in a noncredit college level class. This supported class will serve as a guide to both the student and his/her family as to the student's readiness to succeed unsupported in a typical college academic program.
Typical students graduate from high school after grade 12 and then move to college, while special education students remain in the high-school curriculum until the age of 21. The Post-Secondary Program responds to the upper limits of inclusion that have been caused by this discrepancy.
The Post-Secondary Program is an advanced vocational program within a university environment which gains the important opportunity to interact with university students. Post-secondary students are trained vocationally 100 percent of their day.
Special Education Guidelines
For Parents with children presently enrolled in Saint Anthony School Programs
All students in Special Education are guaranteed the right to an opportunity to earn a high school diploma
A high school diploma will be awarded to a student who completes the Special Education program developed by the IEP (Individual Education Plan) team
Special Education Students are eligible for education until the age of 21
Transportation will continue until your child oficially graduates at the age of 21
All parents should register with a Supports Coordination Unit. This agency is dedicated to helping individuals and families attain the best possible blend of services that balances the impact of a disability with the desire to maintain a high quality of life. There are 3 Agencies in the immediate area and they are:
A. Family Links
B. Mon Valley
C. Staunton Clinic
As your child grows older, the IEP team will design a program to help your child prepare for life when your child is finished with school. This is called the ITP (Individual Transition Plan)
During your child's last year of school OVR (Office of Vocational Rehabilitation) will be contacted to help your child enter into and/or prepare for employment
Upon completion of 4 years of high school a student/family can:
A. Graduate and accept their diploma
OR
B. "Bank" their diploma and continue to receive educational services until the age of 21
"Banking" your diploma permits students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies with their graduation class, even though they will not be awarded a diploma, since they will be continuing to receive educational services. The diploma will be awarded when they complete educational services or reach the age of 21.
Guidelines for parents who want to pursue tuition funding through their local school district
Students with disabilities in a school district are entitled to be educated to the maximum extent appropriate with students who are not disabled. This is called education in the LRE (Least Restrictive Environment)
The law requires that children with disabilities be placed in situations that will give them as many opportunities as appropriate to be with students who are not disabled
LRE should include Life Skills Support for children whose greatest need is to learn academic, functional, or vocational skills that will allow them to live and work independently. This should include but not be limited to : mobility training, on-site real work situations, shopping in the community, cooking etc.
The NOREP (Notice of Recommended Educational Placement) explains the educational placement for your child and explains your rights
The parents need to approve the NOREP from the school and IEP team recommendation before the recommendation is implemented..
"The above information is intended as general background only and not as a complete description of the information, materials and applicable laws regarding these matters. Inquiries should be made to obtain additional information and to discuss your individual circumstances"
Eligibility
Students must have experienced at least four years in a secondary setting.
The student must not have received a diploma but must have “banked” it with our program or their local high school.
Current students of St. Anthony School Programs are automatically accepted into the program, and new students will be accepted if slots are available.
Curriculum
Curriculum is based on functional application of previously acquired academic skills, vocational training, mobility training with an emphasis on using public transportation, and social skill development.
Students continue to receive specialized services such as Behavioral Health, Daily Living and Speech.
Apartment Living
With an innovative goal in mind for the training of our students, we have added an apartment location.
This location allows students to work and practice during the school day on numerous independent living skills such as cooking and doing the laundry in an actual apartment environment.
Vocational Training
Students train vocationally on-site at various businesses in jobs such as housekeeping, maintenance, food service, childcare, mailing skills and office work.
Off-campus job sites have included businesses such as hotels, hospitals, law firms, nursing homes and social service organizations. On campus jobs include the schools of nursing, law and human resources.
Work sites are chosen in fields where our graduates have been successful in employment.
Work Study
Each student is paired with a work-study student who serves as his/her job coach, mentor and most importantly friend, allowing our students to develop social relationships with an age-appropriate peer.
College work-study students provide support training to our students at the various training sites. They act as a liaison between our students and the work sites. They report and fill out daily progress reports from each job site to the on-site supervisor.
Safety, life skills and vocational curriculum are all structured to prepare students to live as independently as possible after graduation. Staff and job coaches work on areas that affect our students obtaining and keeping jobs such as poor social skills, following directions, and basic safety issues. We look to build a resume that shows the strengths and weaknesses of each student. A graduation ceremony allows families, staff, friends and peers to recognize students' accomplishments and completion of the program.
St. Anthony School Programs 2000 Corporate Drive, Suite 580, Wexford, PA 15090
phone (724) 940-9020 fax (724) 940-9064
Spirit of St. Anthony Breakfast Join us as we welcome Pitt Panthers Head Coach, Paul Chryst to the Spirit of St. Anthony Breakfast at the Omni William Penn Hotel on June 6th at 8:00 a.m. More >
Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community Start organizing your team now for the 2013 Highmark Walk for A Healthy Community. Registration is now open! More >
INCLUSIVE GAMES St. Anthony's held our Annual Inclusive Games at Ss. Simon and Jude in Greentree on May 7th. More >
Giant Eagle Apples for the Students Program Support our students everytime you shop through the Giant Eagle Apples for the Students Program. Register your card today! More >
GOLF OUTING, Sponsored by McKamish, Inc. View Photos from the 29th Annual Golf Outing at Oakmont Country Club. More >
Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation Charity Assist Raffle Pittsburgh Penguins 50/50 Raffle is a huge success! More >
