Work & Vocational Programs

Student measuring in wood shop Vocational programs focus on hands-on learning in a simulated work environment. This experience-based learning teaches skills needed to be successful in a job or career.

A variety of vocational programs exist at Mon Valley School, Pathfinder School and Sunrise School. These programs focus on learning basic skills, which leads to independence in the work place. Movement from the center-based program to career and technical centers is an option for our students.

Mon Valley School programs

The Pathfinder School programs

Apartment Living - This program is comprised of housekeeping and laundry service with an emphasis on increased independence and safety.
Auto Detailing - Students learn basic skills for auto detailing with a focus on safety, tools, methods and maintaining quality of work.
Buildings and Grounds - Students learn basic skills required to do basic janitorial, warehousing and landscaping tasks with a focus on safety.
Food & Nutrition - This program is comprised of a variety of areas including nutrition, restaurant-style meal planning, food preparation, sanitation, safety, marketing and budgeting.
Industrial Arts - Students learn how to use basic hand and power tools to assemble new items and fix broken ones.
PAES Lab - The Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) is a beginning point for students’ exploring the world of work that allows students to sample a variety of work activities.
PRIDE Program

Sunrise School programs

Auto/Warehousing - The students enrolled in this class learn the basics of car details and warehousing skills.
Buildings and Grounds - Students in this class are exposed to building maintenance and upkeep by maintaining grass, flowers and trees.
Buildings and Grounds Breakfast Crew - Students essentially clean up the cafeteria after the breakfast period is over. Students wash and dry all tables, learn to sweep and mop the floors in a commercial setting.
Food Service - Students develop entry level skills that will enable them to work in the food service industry, such as handling equipment and following a recipe.
Industrial Arts - All secondary LS and LSS students at Sunrise take part in the industrial arts classes that emphasize safety while operating various tools and equipment.
PAES Lab - The Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES) is a beginning point for students’ exploring the world of work that allows students to sample a variety of work activities.
Sunrise WORKS! - Students are placed in volunteer and non-paid internships in the community and are assessed in a variety of skills and job tasks. Job Coaches accompany small groups of students to work sites and evaluate the student performance and make recommendations for employment.

Career Development Services

Career Development services provide transition services for students with disabilities. A child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team will determine if these services are appropriate. Services are available for students with disabilities who are 14 years of age or older.

Center-Based Vocational Programs

Vocational Programs offered through the AIU

The AIU's vocational programs are stepping stones for entrance into trade schools and career/technical centers for our special education students. In addition, these vocational programs help students with special needs develop skills and safety awareness needed for training and employment after graduation.

Post-secondary vocational programs throughout the area are available once the student has graduated from high school. To explore a map of the post-secondary vocational education opportunities in Pennsylvania, view the Directory of US Vocational Schools and Vocational Programs website.

Mon Valley

Diversified Auto Service/Mechanic
Employment-Oriented Home Economics
Food Service
Industrial Production/Maintenance
Material Handling and Delivery

Pathfinder

Apartment Living
Auto Detailing
Buildings and Grounds
Food & Nutrition
Industrial Arts
PAES Lab

Sunrise

Auto/Warehousing
Buildings and Grounds
Food Service
Industrial Arts
PAES Lab
Sunrise WORKS!