Transition Program continues to impact lives in Elmwood Park

Doing laundry, cleaning, and ordering food at a restaurant are everyday tasks many of us take for granted. Students in District 401’s Transition Program are currently developing these essential life skills.

“We celebrate the smallest victories in the biggest way possible,” says Bridget Flood, a Transition Program Teacher. 

District 401 recognizes the importance of supporting students aged 18 to 22 with special needs by providing specialized educational programs promoting independence and life skills. Formed in 2019, the Transition Program is housed at Elmwood Park High School and offers a curriculum and resources tailored to empower the students so they can achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Student Jonathan Schmidt cleaning equipment at We Rock the Spectrum

Because each student in the program has different needs, the staff works together to decide how to best support each student. One of the ways the staff supports the students is by helping them work and volunteer in the community. The program has strong relationships with certain businesses and organizations in the area, giving students real-world work experience.  

One of those businesses is We Rock the Spectrum, a kid's gym specialized for children with sensory processing disorders. The students help out by cleaning the gym’s equipment. On other days, students hand-deliver dog treats and spice blends made in-house to customers across District 401. It’s a part of their own store, Market 164, named after the high school room where the program is held.

Students Alessandra Camacho and Juan Sanabria deliver dog treats with Transition Teacher Bridget Flood

The students make money from Market 164 which, in turn, they use to fund special trips to places like Portillo’s and hockey games. While trips to restaurants are fun experiences for the students, they are also learning opportunities to practice ordering and paying for food. Several students in the program use Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices (AAC), like iPads, to communicate, enabling them to use pictures and symbols to express themselves and interact within the community. If they go to a restaurant, they use those icons to communicate a message to the server. 

But before the group even heads to the activity, they have to plan the outing.  

“It seems like a lot of fun, but the planning and the prep before that is intense,” said Flood.

Student Edwin Chavarria-Beza celebrates after scoring in bocce with EPHS Paraprofessional Evelina Felcman 

Every activity has a purpose. Everything the students do will help them when they leave the program, which can be bittersweet for Flood. After watching these former EPHS students develop for years, it is eventually time to say goodbye. 

“You’re with them every day all day,” said Flood. 

Alessandra Camacho, a 2021 graduate of EPHS is the senior-most student of the program and is now in her final year. She goes to multiple job sites on her own, spending time at St. Paul Resale, the Quinn Center of St. Eulalia and the Wonder Works Children’s Museum. 

“My favorite part is having fun and getting to learn,” said Camacho. 

Student Anthony Mercado prepares food at the Quinn Center of St. Eulalia

In her free time, Camacho enjoys watching television and spending time with her family and mini goldendoodle, Ambi. She is less than a year out from finishing up and has given thought to life after the program. 

“I’m planning on working,” said Camacho.

Camacho loves kids and hopes to continue at Wonder Works. Like Flood, Camacho admits leaving Transition is emotional in the best and worst ways at the same time. She is sad to leave the family-like bond Transition has to offer, but also excited for the work ahead. 

District 401’s Transition Program currently serves seven students and continues to grow year after year. The district is incredibly grateful for the staff and all the work they do.