Transition Deferment Options

Transition Deferment programs are available to students who have met all High School graduation requirements and would like to stay in Broward County Public Schools to acquire specific skills in the areas of academic, employment and/or independence with continued support and services according to their Transition Individual Education Plan (TIEP). The skills learned in their chosen deferment program will help students achieve their post-secondary goals. For more information about the deferment criteria and program options, please contact the ESE Specialist and Transition Specialist, at the student’s home high school or visit fldoe.org

Post-Graduate Alternatives for Secondary Students (PASS) Program

Post-Graduate Alternatives for Secondary Students (PASS) is a community-based transition model located at most high schools throughout the district. Students participate in curriculum that emphasizes functional academics, social skills, life skills, community-based instruction, and work experience. Please contact the ESE specialist at the student’s home high school.

Work Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) Programs 

(Business-led Work Based Learning Experiences) Project Work Opportunities from Within (WOW) and SEARCH are total immersion transition programs in host businesses where students participate in six to eight week rotations in several departments learning vocational, employability, life and soft skills. A certified teacher and job coach are always onsite. Each student works with a mentor in his or her respective department. Project WOW is housed at four Hilton Hotel locations, the Riverside Hotel, and the School Board of Broward County’s Pupil Transportation Department. Please contact Elise Bedrossian at Elise.Bedrossian@browardschools.com. Project SEARCH is at three Memorial Hospital locations. Please contact Wendy Barnes at Wendy.Barnes@browardschools.com.

Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) Program 

(Business-led Work Based Learning Experiences) offered at Atlantic Technical College. This program is for students interested in paid employment, but have not yet experienced the world of work. This structured on-the-job training begins on campus with exposure to commercial food/restaurant skills, clerical skills, facilities service, and groundskeeping. Once students’ skills are identified, the rotation of job experiences moves to off campus businesses for short term internships. Students participating in WBLE have the opportunity to earn entry level industry certifications to add to their employment resume. For more information, please contact Debbie Evangelista at Devangelista@browardschools.com.

Adult Curriculum for Community Employment and Social Skills (ACCESS)

Adult Curriculum for Community Employment and Social Skills (ACCESS) is a community-based transition model in which students work as part of a team to develop a transition plan that will help them build their independence in the world of work and within their community.  Students are given the opportunity to train in a variety of industries to determine their strengths and interests which may lead to paid employment.   As part of the ACCESS curriculum, students also work to build their social communication skills, daily living skills and leisure skills with the purpose of building a well-rounded life.  Some students participating in ACCESS have the opportunity to earn an entry level industry certification based on worksite requirements. For more information about the Sheridan Technical College program, please contact Paul Askin at Paul.Askin@browardschools.com and for Atlantic Technical College contact Amy Salamon at Amy.Salamon@browardschools.com.

Career Placement

Career Placement is a transition model located at Atlantic Technical, McFatter, and Sheridan colleges. Students in this program must have an interest in paid employment, demonstrate readiness to work, and have the desire or ability to navigate the community independently and safely. This program focuses not only on finding and maintaining paid employment, learning to budget your income, and developing life skills, but also on creating a career plan which may include further education or training. We help students to define what is needed to make that next step happen. Some of the students participating in Career Placement will earn entry level industry certifications based on their worksite requirements. For more information about Atlantic Technical College programs please contact Leslie Curts at Leslie.Curts@browardschools.com for information about the Sheridan Technical College program please contact Paul Askin at Paul.Askin@browardschools.com; and for more information about McFatter Technical program, please contact Mary Fitzgerald at Mary.M.Fitzgerald@browardschools.com.

Achievement and Rehabilitation Center Inc. (ARC) School of Hire

Achievement and Rehabilitation Center Inc. (ARC) Broward School of HIRE Education: ARC, in partnership with Broward Schools, provides an opportunity for students to obtain real-life employment and life skills. Community-based instruction is implemented to teach domestic and community competencies. Vocational training is also available. Please contact Jody Ellis at Jellis@arcbroward.com.

College Prep Program (CDE) is offered at Broward College South Campus for students wanting academic intervention along with a college experience to increase the necessary skills for a successful transition into college for more information please contact Elise Bedrossian at Elise.Bedrossian@browardschools.com.

Career Dual Enrollment offered at Atlantic Technical College, McFatter Technical College, and Sheridan Technical College. The shared program offers industry approved, high-skill technical careers for eligible 11th and 12th grade students and could serve as a deferment option for students with an IEP who continue to require special education service(s). Students interested in pursuing this deferment option should have their IEP and transcript evaluated and must complete and meet all the requirements for CDE enrollment prior to the colleges’ CDE deadline. Placement is not guaranteed and contingent upon available programs and seats. Students will remain at their home high school to continue to receive the required ESE services. An IEP meeting with representation from the college is a requirement. This deferment option is based on need for ESE services and is not a financial benefit. Enrollment Information can be found on each technical college website.

Academic Dual Enrollment – Area Academic Dual enrollment is an accelerated program that allows eligible 12th grade high school students to take postsecondary academics and could serve as a deferment option for students with an IEP who continue to require special education service(s). Students interested in pursuing this deferment option should have their IEP and transcript evaluated and must complete all the requirements for dual enrollment prior to the college’s dual enrollment deadline. Students will remain at their home high school to continue to receive the required ESE services. An IEP meeting with representation from the college is a requirement. The deferment option is based on need for ESE services and is not a financial benefit. Enrollment Information can be found on the specific college website.

Classroom and testing accommodations are not considered ESE services.
Accommodation rights are provided to adults with disabilities through the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

Each high school should provide you with information on Vocational Rehabilitation. http://www.rehabworks.org/