Employability Skills Lab

Questions? Call 440.891.7666

Polaris Job Training Programs include an in-house Employability Skills Lab for students who require more intense training in pre-vocational skills including both basic employability, vocational and social/life skills.

The program’s goal is to build more independent skills through simulated and authentic work settings. The Skills Lab provides instruction for students who require the most support to learn specific work skills, work behaviors, and self-help skills. Through this program students learn the importance of positive work attitudes, quality of work, teamwork, following directions, staying on task, working independently and managing time. Students will have the opportunity to job train in the community while enrolled in the program.

The program targets high school students ages 17–22 with cognitive and/or multiple disabilities. A current IEP reflecting community-based employment as a reasonable outcome, either in a competitive or supported employment setting, is required. Also, students need to be able to complete simple vocational tasks without prompting. This is a one-year program offered during the morning session at Polaris Career Center

Some typical work experiences could include:

Laundry
Basic custodial
Floors
Recycling
Assembly
Packaging
Point of sale operations
Customer service
Stocking
General office work
Food preparation

Resources
Employability Skills Lab Fee & Supply List
Uniform Ordering

Teacher: Denise Holleman

Email: dholleman@polaris.edu
Education: M.Ed Curriculum & Instruction, Cleveland State University; B.S Transportation, Niagara University Certifications: Transition to Work Endorsement, Kent State University
At Polaris Since: 2017
Industry Experience: Mobil Chemical and Yellow Freight
Interests/Hobbies: Camping, kayaking, fishing, hiking skiing and running

For additional information, contact Diane Xander, Director of Pupil Personnel, Principal of Satellite Programs at 440.891.7666 or dxander@polaris.edu.

Employability Skills Lab 2019-2020 Advisory Members

Mr. Christopher Brunst, Flik/Cleveland Browns
Ms. Suzanne Bush, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
Ms. Kristin Cehlar, Olive Garden
Mr. John Germaine, Opportunities for Ohioans With Disabilities/Giant Eagle
Ms. Heather Mauk, CVS Health
Ms. Pam Nicholson, Lenox Rdge Nursing & Rehab
Mr. Jon Schmittgen, Cuyahoga County Boarad of Developmental Disabilities
Ms. Donna Shaheen, Southwest General Health Center
Mr. John White, CVS Health