The Passage Transition Program at Cedarhurst School

The program serves young adults, ages 18-22, most commonly identified for special education under Emotional Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or Other Health Impairment. Students in the Passage Program participate in vocational experiences within competitive work environments, and receive hands-on training in functional and independent living skills. The Passage Program believes in a person-centered approach, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each student as they learn to successfully navigate adult responsibilities and challenges. Our approach ensures that students are not only informed, but also empowered to implement these skills in their daily lives.

Integral to the Passage Program, students complete at least one internship and most complete several. Internships are developed to teach foundational work skills and to provide exposure to areas of career interest. We develop internships in competitive work environments in the greater New Haven area based on individual students’ needs and interests. Students earn a stipend for their participation, work directly with a supervisor who is a staff member of the workplace and participate in a performance review process regularly. Passage staff members are available to students when needed to provide support and assist with problem-solving. Support may be more intensive at first and then fade as students become more confident.

College Courses

Students can take courses at Albertus Magnus College, Southern Connecticut State University or Gateway Community College without charge as Passage Transition Program participants. They are afforded time to work on their classes while in the program and are supported to meet deadlines, self-advocate, apply for and utilize accommodations and problem-solve. As students are ready, they can take multiple classes at once.

Certificate Programs

Students may also explore the opportunity to complete a certificate program through one of our partnered college settings or local organizations. Certificate programs are a good fit for students who are interested in learning a specialized set of skills, geared toward increasing employability and professional development, often without the requirement of pursuing a college degree.

Our skills seminars are designed to provide students with practical, hands-on training in key areas that are essential to personal and professional development. Each seminar is thoughtfully structured to offer valuable insights and skills in the following core areas:

Office Hours

Students gather in a small group with their advisor to focus on individual tasks and goals. Whether working on personal to-do lists, job applications, or other specific needs, each session is tailored to address the unique requirements of each student. This personalized environment supports students in making progress on their goals with guidance and support.

Executive Function

To support students in managing tasks and responsibilities efficiently, these seminars address skills such as time management, organization, goal setting, and prioritization. Strategies and tools are provided to help students improve their ability to plan, execute, and monitor their own work.

Interpersonal Skills

Here, students develop crucial social skills for building and maintaining positive relationships. Seminars cover effective communication techniques, conflict resolution, social etiquette, and empathy and understanding. Activities are designed to enhance students' ability to interact positively and respectfully with others.

Independent Living Skills

These seminars focus on equipping students with the practical skills needed for daily life. Topics include budgeting and financial management, meal planning and preparation, personal organization and hygiene, and household maintenance. The goal is to help students build confidence and competence in managing their own living environments.

Vocational Skills

These sessions are aimed toward preparing students for the workforce. They include training in job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, workplace etiquette, and career exploration. Seminars also often feature real-world scenarios and role-playing to provide practical experience.

Students in the Passage Transition Program receive weekly individual and group counseling, led by a licensed clinical social worker, focused on emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Individual crisis intervention is available from a licensed clinical social worker, as needed, both to address immediate concerns and to support the overall well-being and success of the program. All therapeutic support is grounded in the principles of a positive behavioral support model, ensuring a focus on constructive and empowering strategies for personal development.