About Us

At STEPS, programming is designed to prepare students for adult life by building the skills needed for employment, post-secondary education/training,  independent living, and active participation in the community.

We are guided by the following principles:

• Focus on Independence
  All programming is centered on increasing student independence across vocational, academic, and daily living domains.
• Functional Academics with Real-World Application
  Students develop functional academic skills that directly support adult living. Skills learned in the classroom are intentionally applied and reinforced in real-world settings.
• Community-Based Instruction (CBI)
  Students participate in structured Community-Based Instruction to practice and generalize skills in authentic environments, promoting confidence, independence, and community access.
• Vocational Skill Development
  Students engage in hands-on vocational experiences, including volunteer and, when appropriate, employer-paid opportunities. Training may include on-the-job evaluation, on-the-job training, and job coaching provided within the program day.
• Individualized and Customized Supports
  Instruction and services are tailored to each student’s strengths, needs, and learning styles, ensuring meaningful progress toward post-school goals.
• Access to Related Services
  Students continue to receive appropriate related services supports to enhance participation, skill development, and overall independence.
• Connection to Adult Life
  Programming includes collaboration with educational partners, community organizations, and adult service agencies to support a successful transition beyond STEPS.