Special Education

GJCTC’s special education programs provide individualized, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students with disabilities for adult life, employment, and community participation. Through an Apartment-Based Transition Program focused on independent living and workplace readiness, and a Polytech Exploratory Program centered on career exploration and foundational shop skills, students receive meaningful instruction aligned to their IEP transition goals. These programs emphasize functional academics, employability skills, self-advocacy, and real-world application to support successful postsecondary outcomes.

Polytech Summary

The Polytech Program at the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center helps students build confidence, independence, and real-world skills needed for life after high school and could include future enrollment in our Apartment Program. This trades-focused program is designed for public school students in grades 10-12 who receive special education services. Students explore careers, learn workplace expectations, and practice basic shop skills. As they continue to build confidence in their areas of interest, they transition into participation in various shops at GJCTC.

In addition, students participate in career exploration in our PAES Lab. Throughout training and career exploration in the PAES Lab, students build communication and problem-solving skills while also learning workplace behavior and self-advocacy skills needed for employment and independence.

Polytech helps students discover their strengths, prepare for future training or employment, and take steps toward a safe, meaningful, and independent adult future. Our goal is to help students take meaningful steps toward employment, independence, and adult success.

Key Focus Areas:

Exploration of multiple CTE shops and trade pathways.
Basic shop skills and safety training.
Career awareness and interest development.
Employability skills (attendance, teamwork, task completion).
Functional academics embedded in hands-on activities.
Gradual integration into CTE environments.
Individualized transition planning aligned to IEP goals.

Apartment Program Summary

The Apartment Program is a transition-focused program designed for public school students ages 18–21 who receive special education services. The program prepares students for life after high school by strengthening independent living skills, expanding community access, and providing meaningful exploration of career pathways and skilled trades.

Through the use of research-based transition curricula, including the Attainment Pre-Employment Transition Curriculum and the Practical Assessment Exploration System (PAES), students develop essential skills in functional reading and comprehension, real-world math, budgeting, workplace readiness, career exploration, and self-advocacy. Instruction emphasizes practical application, helping students build confidence and competence in everyday tasks and employment settings.

Students participate in weekly community-based instruction, daily cooking and independent living lessons, and hands-on vocational training within GJCTC programs. The Apartment Program fosters independence, responsibility, and readiness for employment, post-secondary education, and adult life.

Key Focus Areas: