News @ the 112

STEPS, Student Transition Educational Program Services, is a community based program supported by the ESD 112.  STEPS opened its doors beginning with the 2011-2012 school year.  STEPS is a program designed for 18-21 year old students from the districts of Southwest Washington who are in need of additional assistance in transitioning from high school to the world of work and furthering their independent living skills.

Located in downtown Longview, STEPS central location offers community involvement for its students along with work experience, enhancement of daily living skills, recreational and leisure opportunities and assistance with planning post-secondary education or training.

This year marks the highest enrollment since we opened our doors.  Last year’s class size was 17.  This year we have increased to 30 students from the districts of Longview, Kelso, Wahkiakum, Castle Rock, Toutle, Kalama, and Ridgefield.  We were very excited to welcome Kelso students to our program this year.

The students started the year with great enthusiasm.  Goals are being set for employment opportunities, plans for increasing independent living skills and identifying opportunities for vocational training.

STEPS staff. Left to right: Jeanette Forman, Ellen Harper, Amanda Davidson, Kris Carle, and Jamie Vinton.

Our staff is growing as well.  Current staff includes, Jeanette Forman, program administrator, Kris Carle, Special Education teacher, Ellen Harper, CTE teacher, Jamie Vinton, Job Coach/Para educator, and Amanda Davidson, Job Coach/Para educator.  To better support our increase with enrollment, we will be adding two more Job Coach / Para Educator positions.

STEPS is always looking for guest speakers.  If you are interested, please give us a call!  Or just stop by for a visit.

The staff and students at STEPS appreciate all the support the ESD 112 has provided to make this a successful program for the students of Southwest Washington and a fun place to work!