ORANGE COUNTY CHILDREN'S THERAPEUTIC ARTS CENTER 1

Home Browse Search

OC Children's Therapeutic Arts Center 2013-14 Program Narrative build core competencies to train workers; identify and disseminate career and skill information and increase the integration of community and technical college activities with industry and the public workforce system. C. How will the training assist youth in obtaining employment? As the participants master their basic skills and commit to taking on new challenges, they will emerge from the program better prepared to accomplish both short and long-term employment goals. OCCTAC is utilizing curricula to build core competencies to train workers; identify and disseminate career and skill information and increase the integration of community and technical college activities with industry and the public workforce system. Through this type of training, WIA participants develop the necessary tools to create a career path that compliments their skills, while meeting the skill needs of the employer within targeted industries. Additionally, WIA participants develop an understanding about what motivates and inspires them to attain additional skills and training and/or education to advance in other career opportunities. As mentioned previously, those youth who successfully complete their training program are recommended and sometimes hired as tutors or teacher assistants to work in OCCTAC's Learning Academy or After -School Programs. Furthermore, the case manager will work closely with SAUSD TPP job developer, Santa Ana Work Center, Santa Ana business, and other community agencies to attain job leads for the youth. D. What employers recognize the certificates? OCCTAC provides State recognized Certificate programs in partnership with the Santa Ana College. Therefore, any employer should recognize these certificate programs. VIIL Tutoring/Mentoring/Support A. What type of tutoring resources will be made available to help improve youth's literacy/numeracy skills? As mentioned previously, WIA participants will be provided with weekly assistance in Literacy and Numeracy on a one-on-one basis via the Literacy and/or Numeracy coaches. The coaches will review the TABE pre -test to determine student needs and establish specific goals for tutoring sessions. To ensure that youth with disabilities are provided with the best service, the case manager and tutors will also work with SAUSD TPP to attain Individualize Education Plan (IEP) and accommodate tutoring sessions as needed. Also, OCCTAC uses innovative teaching strategies that focus on creative approaches to engage participants in the learning process. Every year, OCCTAC has been successful in increasing the numeracy and literacy rates of WIA participants! Furthermore, OCCTAC's Learning Academy Program provides WIA participants the opportunity to tutor younger children in our "Learning Lab" so they can apply the skills that their mentors/ tutors are teaching them. The learning lab is not only a great vehicle for WIA participants to practice what they have learned, but also a great vehicle to enhance their self-esteem, boost their confidence and learn mentoring and leadership skills! Furthermore, OCCTAC partnered last year with SIATech (School for Integrated Academics and Technologies) to provide alternative secondary school services to participants that need to earn their high school diploma. SIATech is housed at our agency to provide easy access to participants on a daily basis. As a partner, SIATech provides OCCTAC with a partnership to a public school that enables the WIA participants to earn their diploma, attain industry -standard certifications and increase their literacy and numeracy abilities. The SIATech principal, Ronald Stagg, participates in community meetings and activities and supports OCCTAC in its endeavors whenever possible. Also, a credentialed Special Education teacher is available to assess students and write IEP or 504 plans for students. The teacher also provides professional development to OCCTAC and other Santa Ana YSPN members in working with students who have special needs. This support provides OCCTAC with the ability to serve more at -risk populations including youth who are in the foster care system who are often credit deficient and may have special needs. SIATech is a network of accredited public charter high schools for students ages 16 to 24. Like other public schools, SIATech is free and does not charge tuition. The Santa Ana SIATech Independent Study Program provides a quality academic program that emphasizes literacy, numeracy, and workplace -readiness skills. Students learn common core content standards through applied academics and software training. The EXHIBIT A 11