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Area Transition Learning and Skills (ATLAS) serves adult students with varying abilities, ages 18-22nd Birthday, from member districts of the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative (PBEC). The PBEC includes the Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton, Pequot Lakes, Pillager and Pine River-Backus school districts.

Transition Domains
The program consists of instructional activities in the 5 transition domains:

  • Activities and Instruction

    This domain is a major point of emphasis at ATLAS.  Students will engage in activities to help prepare them for independent, semi-independent, or supported living.  Some topics of instruction include:

    • Clothing/laundry
    • Caring for personal needs
    • Health and safety
    • Money and time management
    • Interior/exterior home maintenance
    • Living with others
    • Self-awareness
    • Meal planning and preparation 

  • Students will spend about 50% of their time at ATLAS in the community. It is important for students to learn how to access their community. Some topics of instruction include:

    • Responsibility and safety
    • Communication and interpersonal skills
    • Engaging in community events
    • Accessing businesses, programs, transportation and resources
    • Mobility
    • Self-advocacy
    • Citizenship
    • YMCA

  • Knowing age-appropriate recreation and leisure options for students to engage in is a great way to occupy their free-time as well as a social avenue. Some topics of instruction include:

    • Interpersonal skills
    • Establishing hobbies
    • Accessing recreational facilities and activities
    • Fitness habits
    • Developing and maintaining friendships

  • Employment is another central point of emphasis at ATLAS. Students will learn soft skills that will help prepare them for employment. Students will have hands-on experiences in work settings in the school and community. Some topics of instruction and activities include:

    • Following directions
    • Work habits and behaviors
    • Work attitude
    • Non-paid work-based learning experiences
    • Resume writing
    • Applying and interviewing for jobs
    • Interest inventories, skill assessment, and career matching

       

    Some volunteer work-based learning sites include:

    • Big Jay’s Pizza
    • Common Goods
    • Edgewood Vista
    • Essentia Health Sports Center
    • Habitat for Humanity Re-Store
    • ISD 181 (Various sites)
    • LEC School Store
    • The Center

  • Students will have the opportunity to explore post-secondary education and training options. Students will also engage in functional academics as they continue to prepare for post-secondary learning and employment.

Students engage in one of two pathways when enrolling in the ATLAS program. The Traditional Transition Pathway includes a focus on all five areas of transition. Students participate in instruction and activities both in the classroom and the community. The Employment Pathway is designed for students who require a greater focus on employment. The goal is for students to obtain competitive, integrated employment.