a co-ed, independent, inclusion school for grades k-12+

18-21 Next Steps Transition Program

The Next Steps Transition Program logo features three red blocks arranged as a staircase rising
6 students and 3 teachers stretch a ball of yarn across a table in a team-building activity

Next Steps students and teachers participate in a team-building activity on the first day of the 2023-24 school year.

The Next Steps Transition Program at The IDEAL School of Manhattan is a one, two, or three year postsecondary program helping students aged 18-21 reach their fullest potential and achieve their dreams.

Next Steps is student-centered, individualized, and builds upon the unique strengths, goals, and interests of each student. The program supports students' continued progress in social-emotional, adaptive-life, executive functioning, and vocational skills and supports them and their families in planning for their next steps in life, changing the focus from educational to adult services. Next Steps is open to students who attended IDEAL in Grade 12, to those who finished High School elsewhere, or those who transfer from another postsecondary program. 

Next Steps gives students the tools to live as independently as they are able, and supports them in locating adult services.

Next Steps prepares students to continue their education in college or another postsecondary program after one to three years. IDEAL’s differentiated and individualized academic classes provide Next Steps students with everyday adult skills and health classes provide information for adult life. Continued arts education helps build students’ confidence and self-awareness, factors that will mesh with the job skills they will acquire as they prepare to enter the workforce. 

Please reach out to the Admission Office for more information or read these Next Steps Open House slides.

 

Next Steps News

a group shot of adults
Celebrating Autism Acceptance Month at Ellen's Stardust Diner

Sydney, one of our Next Steps students, has been interning with Luv Michael, the granola company staffed by people with autism. Last week, they celebrated their current partnership with Ellen's Stardust Diner at an event covered by PIX11 News. If you visit Ellen’s Stardust Diner, be sure to try the Luv Michael Shake and Parfait!

a multicultural group of students and teachers smile for the camera in a cafe with yellow painted walls
Coffee Break

On Friday, April 5, Next Steps students took a trip for a mid-morning coffee break at Café Joyeux in Midtown. The students practiced their travel skills navigating the city bus uptown. They placed orders and enjoyed delicious food and drinks at the new café that employs people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They also got to catch up with Troy P, an IDEAL alumnus, Class of 2021, who works there. Photos from the excursion are in this Facebook album.

Brownies on a plate
Seniors as Junior Bakers

On Thursday, three IDEAL seniors joined Next Steps to learn how to bake brownies and get a glimpse of the culinary arts and career development classes that Next Steps offers. Next Steps students paired up with the seniors in teams to help them through each step. At lunchtime, they all shared in the chocolates of their labors. Photos are in this Facebook album.