ORANGE COUNTY CHILDREN'S THERAPEUTIC ARTS CENTER 16 - 2011

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OCCTAC WIA staff will collaboratively address the needs of each participant and make appropriate recommendations regarding the level of skill. Additionally, the WIA staff will suggest alternate methods of instruction for those participants who have learning disabilities. The program will provide those youth with special needs the opportunity to receive assistance with literacy and math instruction through various arts enrichment and practical business applications. This program will provide a unique opportunity to enhance their academic skills and employment skills with creative options. Students that are struggling both academically and in locating or retaining employment, face challenges that make their educational and professional experiences frustrating and overwhelming. The WIA staff understands the value of considering various modalities of learning in relation to a participants' success. The WIA staff also integrates the team approach, by providing one-on-one tutoring and staff assistance; this individualized attention, helps the youth gain a greater sense of confidence, moving towards new levels of achievement as they focus on their goals. Because of this type of team support, the youth are more receptive to learning and more inclined to follow their advice and strategies. The youth also learn how to form good working relationships with the staff, establishing trust, good communication and a willingness to welcome new challenges. 4. Describe how the program will assist participants in receiving an accredited certificate of completion, diploma or credential. Yes, the program will assist WIA participants in receiving an accredited certificate of completion, diploma or credential. As mentioned above, OCCTAC started two state certificate programs at our organization in partnership with the Santa Ana College and Pacific Clinics. If participants enroll in any of these 2 programs they will have a state certificate and will have a better opportunity to find betterjobs! For those who are interested in other fields, our WIA team will assist participants in enrolling in an accredited certificate or credential program of their choice. The work, performance levels and progress of each WIA participant will be monitored on a regular basis by our key staff: case manager, literacy/math coach, arts/technology mentor and Career counselor. The team will meet bi-monthly and/or more often as needed to discuss the goals, and services for each participant. The Case manager will meet bi-monthly with each participant to discuss goals, monitor their progress and documentation on the job (e.g., attendance and/or time sheets, etc), assist with employability skills training (e.g., resume writing, etc.), and help youth with job development. 5. Describe how the program will assist participants in attaining unsubsidized employment or enter post- secondary education. During the last 4 -months of the program, WIA participants will slowly transition out of work experiences at the center, and into otherjob interviews and opportunities in the community. During this last period the case manager will continue to work closely with the SAUSD TPPjob developer to help find youth a job in the community. Furthermore, OCCTAC will work in collaboration with other community partners, including the Santa Ana Work Center, local Santa Ana businesses and other community agencies to find jobs for our youth. In partnership with the Santa Ana College/Centennial Education, youth who have not completed their secondary education will also be encouraged to co -enroll in a high school diploma or certification program sponsored by the SAC College. 6. How will continuous improvement be measured and conducted? Our WIA team meets weekly to discuss all WIA cases. Every week the team discusses the educational progress, assessments, and job training opportunities, work experience, certificate opportunities and all the various areas where students need to be monitored and assisted. Our dedicated team is always observing and documenting the development of our youth and in constant communication with the mentors and staff that provide the job training opportunities for WIA youth. 7. Describe how adequate staffing will be maintained to ensure success of this program. The entire OCCTAC WIA-staff are available for the participants throughout the year. Our team consists of the following staff: 1) a full time case manager, 2) career counselor, 3) Literacy Tutor, 4) Math Tutor, 5) Arts & Technology Mentor, 5) a SAC Admin/Technology instructor, 6) a SAC employability skills instructor, and a 7) Pacific Clinics MFT/ Mental Health instructor. Also, WIA participants have access to other 50 employees at OCCTAC that provide the various programs at our organization. When needed some of the administrative staff is also available for the 11 Exhibit A