Special Education

Career Preparatory High School

Student Disability: Moderate or Severe Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Disabilities

Student Age: 15 to 21

The Career Preparatory High School (formerly Career Development Center) is an alternative high school that focuses on the social, emotional, prevocational and academic needs of students. Educational programs are in accordance with the New York State Department of Education standards. Students are referred to Career Prep from all 56 school districts in Nassau County. They come to Career Prep with a variety of behavioral difficulties accompanied by learning disabilities. The school is set up with a high staff-to-student ratio in order to address the individual needs of each student.

Career Prep provides a supportive atmosphere where students are encouraged to make the transition from adolescence to a productive adulthood by developing self-esteem and by raising their own expectations for success in the future.

The instructional programs at Career Prep are developed according to the individual needs and academic abilities of the student population through individual and cooperative learning strategies. Classroom instruction is modified to meet the New York State Learning Standards. Career Prep offers students the opportunity to earn an IEP, GED or high school diploma. Students are also provided with the opportunity to participate in pre-vocational programs in Food Trades, Automotive Technology and Woodshop. Career Prep is committed to meeting the psychological needs of each student. Counseling services focus on the development of prosocial behaviors, including conflict resolution skills training, moral development, interpersonal communication skills, self-awareness and self-esteem enhancement. Both individual and small group counseling services are provided for each student.

The Career Extension Program has been associated throughout the years with various businesses, agencies and university settings in Nassau County. The longest standing location, at Hofstra University, is presently in its 21st year. The students spend 80 percent of their school week at the off-campus site where they receive group and individual academic instruction, and are responsible for participating in a work-experience practicum. The community-based program creates a transitional atmosphere for mature students who experience education in a college environment, as well as the ability to explore post-secondary school options. Their exposure to a community setting further serves to broaden the students' learning environment and continues to develop socialization skills. In addition, support services are provided on a regular basis, on-site. Consideration and acceptance into the less restrictive environment of the CEP program is based upon the individual student's success in the Power of Choice program and through an internal screening process.

The Rebound Program is a more restrictive setting within the Career Prep program which consists of three 6: 1: 2 classrooms, offering a flexible curriculum directly combined with counseling services throughout the school day. Students in the program have the opportunity to earn an IEP, GED or high school diploma. Students and staff interact in a family-style atmosphere that is both nurturing and supervisory. All students and staff participate in large group counseling sessions as well as breakfast and lunch socialization groups daily, in order to foster trust and interpersonal communication skills. Individual counseling services are provided three times weekly, along with small group counseling sessions. Case management services function to connect each student and their family to both the school and the community, as well as additional support services. Students in the Rebound Program also participate in all electives, intramural and extramural events. The Power of Choice Behavior Management Program along with individual behavior intervention plans are used to monitor student progress. Students who consistently demonstrate academic and behavioral success over a period of time are recommended to a less restrictive environment. The Rebound Program focuses on providing a safe and supportive environment where students realize the value of school and become more productive students, as well as responsible citizens.

Students are offered the opportunity to engage in various activities to round out their high school experience. Students with interests in any of our prevocational programs can be assigned to additional pullout periods to further develop their skills and talents. Intramural and interscholastic programs are offered to improve sportsmanship, teamwork and bring a sense of school pride. The interscholastic participants are chosen from their success in the school-wide Power of Choice behavior management program. Students who reach the highest level are afforded the opportunity to participate in weekly social and vocational club activities.

Contact:
Jervey D. Edwards, Principal

Richard Martinez, Assistant Principal

Career Preparatory High School
111 Cantiague Rock Road
Westbury, New York 11759
Phone: (516) 546-7800