East of the River Transition Academy

A Collaborative Transition Program

Colchester Public Schools & East Haddam Public Schools

Program Overview:

East of the River Transition Academy (ERTA) is a collaborative partnership between Colchester Public Schools and East Haddam Public Schools

Program Description:

ERTA is a multi-faceted, community-based program which serves students with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities, ages 18 - 22, in an age-appropriate environment.

Mission Statement:

This community–based program is designed to provide both classroom and real life experience to students, as they learn the skills that will allow them to reach their post secondary goals.  The focus of the Transition Academy is to individualize each student’s goals and objectives so that the student will learn necessary skills in the area of self determination, life skills, self advocacy, and employment skills.

The Planning and Placement Team develops Individualized Education Plans for each student with goals and objectives in the vocational, post secondary employment and independent living domains. 

IEP goals and objectives drive student programming. The student, the school, the family and essential state and local agencies work in partnership to successfully achieve transition goals. Upon leaving Colchester, the student will have a resume that includes employment internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities.

Colchester Program Staff Members:

Special Education Teacher: Joe Prignano jprignano@colchesterct.org

Transition Coordinator: Alisha Natelle anatelle@colchesterct.org

Colchester Director of Pupil Services: Eve Hurley ehurley@colchesterct.org

Curriculum:

Career Development

Independent Living

Social Development

Community Partnerships:

Volunteer Partnerships