Eligibility and Enrollment Process
Eligibility
A student’s IEP team has determined a need for continued support and transition services after at least three to four years of high school in order for the student to meet his or her post-secondary transition goals in education/training, employment, and (if needed) daily living.
Please note: Each BRIDGE has its own additional, prerequisite skill requirements.
At a minimum, eligible students will:
- Eligible for special education services.
- Ages 18 to 21 before start of the school year.
- Demonstrates consistent community and work safe behaviors.
- Has met all requirements for one of the graduation pathways*
Each BRIDGES program has additional prerequisites. Please follow the link for each BRIDGE on this website for more information.
*Speak with the BRIDGES program specialist if a student is unable to meet a graduation pathway or there’s any confusion about credits needed.
BRIDGES Enrollment Timeline
Anytime:
- Invite the Program Specialist Chelsea Palmer, cmpalmer@seattleschools.org, to IEP meetings for students or families interested in BRIDGES.
Friday, Dec. 1, 2023: Initial Interest Forms due
- Who can submit this form: Case Manager, Student, Parent, or another IEP team member.
Friday, Jan. 19, 2024: Parent, Teacher, and Student Interest Surveys due
- Who should be involved in this process: Parent/Guardian, Student and Case Manager
Friday, Feb. 16, 2024: Transition Rubric due
- Who should be involved in this process: Parent/Guardian, Student and Case Manager
February-March 2024: Observation of student
- Who will do this? Bridges Program Specialist and/or BRIDGES teacher representative
April 2024: Initial Offers of Placement
- Who will do this? BRIDGES Program Specialist will send out an initial offer of placement to the current case manager, student and family.
- What’s next? Meet as an IEP team to determine whether the student wants to and plans to attend BRIDGES in fall 2024.
May-June 2024: Collaboration on student’s decision to rise to BRIDGES between IEP team and BRIDGES.
- Who should be involved in this process: The IEP team and the BRIDGES team (either the program specialist, supervisor, or teacher representative).
Late May-June 2024: BRIDGES New Student Orientation
- Who should attend? The student and families of the student rising to BRIDGES in fall 2024.
Friday, June 7, 2024: Amendment meeting due to indicate an IEP team decision for student to attend BRIDGES
- Who should be involved? The IEP team and the BRIDGES team (either the program specialist, supervisor or teacher representative)