Netherlands’ School Administrators Visit Urban Skills Center

Three school administrators from the Netherlands recently toured the Urban Skills Center to learn more about the transition services provided by our schools. Our visitors all currently work at schools in Holland that serve students with learning and emotional disabilities. As they toured the Urban Skills Center, they commented positively regarding the value of the skills being taught to our students as well as the positive atmosphere of our school.

The visitors interviewed several students who shared their success stories.

Lisa spoke to them about her work experience in food service, teaching Yoga, and her internship at a veterinary clinic. She also talked about her successful transition in taking an ROP class in veterinary skills in Escondido.

Katy told them about her success in school since becoming a student at the COOK Education Center and Urban Skills Center. She spoke of her banquet waitress position at the Marriott and her childcare position at Mt. Helix Academy, both supported by our Transition Services. She mentioned her enrollment at Cuyamaca College, and how she plans to continue attending there upon completing her High School Diploma at the Urban Skills Center. Katy also shared her love of music, which led to a tour of the music studio at the COOK Education Center.

Yngwie, Amanda, and Christina were interviewed as well. They all shared their experiences on their job sites, including the supports and accommodations they have received with the assistance of our Transition Services.

Our guests learned more about our students’ success as they viewed the many bulletin boards in our school which are designed to highlight student achievements. Our visitors found it particularly interesting that achievements were publicly posted, as this was not a common practice in the Netherlands.

Overall, it was a positive experience for our guests, as well as our students and staff members. We welcomed this opportunity to network with the international community on the important role of transition services for student with disabilities.