Community Partnership Program (CPP) - Fairfield Public Schools

The Community Partnership Program (CPP) helps students ages 18–22 prepare for adult life. The program focuses on building skills for employment, education or training, independent living, and community involvement, based on each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Students learn through real-world experiences in the community, including job and vocational opportunities, while developing independence, self-advocacy, and daily living skills.

Each student receives individualized support from certified special education staff and paraprofessionals. Supports are tailored to IEP goals and may include academic help, job coaching, social communication, and daily living instruction, with support gradually reduced as students gain independence.

Collaborations & Unique Job Sites

Collaborations: University of Bridgeport, Southern Connecticut State University, Sacred Heart University and Black Rock Church.

Unique Job Sites: Central Office, Maritime Aquarium, Walgreens, Town Offices and Transportation Department, Main Library, Whitson’s Food Service, Woofgang & Co., DSW Shoes, Bigelow Senior Center, Akita Asian Fusion & Steakhouse, Boca Grille, Sacred Heart University / JP’S Diner and Abbey Café.

Individual Instruction & Mission Statement

Through structured instruction and natural support, CPP empowers students to:

Develop meaningful employment skills and work experiences

Access postsecondary learning opportunities

Build independent living and self-management skills

Increase social competence and community participation

Strengthen self-advocacy and decision-making skills

The Community Partnership Program is committed to fostering person-centered transition experiences that prepare students for successful, fulfilling adult lives beyond public education.

Mission Statement: The mission of the Community Partnership Program (CPP) is to empower young adults ages 18–22 with disabilities to successfully transition from secondary education to adult life through individualized and community-based experiences. By partnering with community organizations and post-secondary institutions. CPP fosters independence, self-advocacy, meaningful employment skills, and active community participation. Our mission is to support each student in building the skills, confidence, and connections necessary to pursue purposeful, fulfilling adult lives.

Links

Important Bureau of Rehabilitation Services Links:

Program Updates:

Self Awareness & Self-Advocacy:

Behavioral Resources:

Check back soon!

Events:

Check back soon!

Community Partnership Professional Team

Social & Community

Best Buddies

All students participating have been paired with a buddy
Buddies kicked off their friendship at the October meeting.
The calendar has been set for the year for this year’s groups events with an event each month
Buddies have set up get together with their individual buddies

Fairfield Parks & Recreation

CPP collaborates with the Town of Fairfield to create a unique summer-based work experience that helps improved work based skills.

Life Skills

The CPP offers a variety of instruction and activities to help participants develop the skills they need to succeed in life after high school. This is designed to 1) improve work readiness to support a young person’s ability to secure entry level employment 2) improve a young person’s awareness of personal interactions that may impact employment and 3) improve functional and personal management skills to increase a young person’s potential for living more independently. Hands-on instruction and individualized coursework is available in the following key areas: Self-Advocacy, Cooking, Employment Skills, Healthy Lifestyles/Fitness, Personal Hygiene, Money Management, Social Skills and Transportation Training.

For Employers

What do you need from my company?
We need opportunities for students to learn about the world of work. Our students seek to participate in mock and informational interviews, work skill evaluations, job sampling and/or paid or unpaid internships.

How do you match students with employers?
It all depends on a win-win relationship. Students are matched based on your business needs and student interest/ability.
The determination of placement involves a review of the student's interests, strengths and aspirations coupled with our knowledge of your business, the positions and respective skills that comprise your operation and your communication with us to discuss the 'soft skills' that are involved.

How long is my commitment?
A variety of options exist and are discussed with you. For example, your commitment can begin as a day in which your business hosts an 'information day or shadow week' in which students are familiarized with your industry or business. Your commitment could also begin as part of our vocational education experiences with a longer-term internship or a paid employment opportunity. And your commitment can change over time as our partnership with you gets stronger and evolves into the 'win-win' relationship that we aim for. CPP staff works with you to achieve a positive outcome for your company and for the students we support.

What kind of support do I receive?
CPP staff provides advance training, on-site job coaches and special educators to insure the best learning experience for all.

What happens if something goes wrong?
Our staff and administration work hard to build mutually beneficial relationships and experiences for all. Issues that arise are reviewed within 24 hours or sooner if needed and resolutions are determined by the business and staff so that problems are minimal and, if they do occur, short lived.

For Parents

Transition Planning: A Guide for Families

Parents play an important role in helping their child prepare for life after high school. Transition planning typically begins around age 14 and continues until a student graduates or turns 22 (for students with IEPs).

What Is Transition Planning?

Transition planning helps students prepare for:

Employment
Postsecondary education or training
Independent living and community participation

These goals are part of the IEP and are individualized based on each student’s strengths, needs, and interests.

Parent To-Do List

Beginning Around Age 18

The DDS Helpline recommends families:

Connect with your DDS Transition Advisor
Explore decision-making options (Probate Court)
Apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), if appropriate
Apply for Medicaid (HUSKY C)
Complete a work assessment through BRS
Obtain a photo ID (DMV)
Register to vote

Learn more: Link to Transition Information Steps

How Families Can Support the Transition Process

1. Be Active in the IEP Process

Attend IEP and transition meetings
Bring questions and share concerns
Encourage your child to participate and self-advocate
Request outside agencies (DDS, BRS, etc.) when appropriate

2. Make Sure the IEP Includes

Measurable postsecondary goals
Transition services and activities tied to those goals
A course of study aligned with future plans
Student participation in meetings
Agency connections, when appropriate

3. Explore Options Early

College or specialized programs
Vocational or technical training
Internships or supported employment
Post-18 or post-22 transition programs
Community-based or day programs, if appropriate

4. Apply for Adult Services Early

Many programs have waitlists. Families should:

Apply for DDS or other agencies as early as possible
Contact Vocational Rehabilitation (VR/BRS)
Keep copies of IEPs, evaluations, and important records

5. Plan for Age 18 Changes

At age 18, educational rights transfer to the student unless other arrangements are made. Families may wish to learn about:

Guardianship or conservatorship
Power of attorney
Supported decision-making

Planning ahead is important.

6. Build Skills at Home

You can support transition goals by practicing:

Daily living skills (cooking, laundry, money management)
Transportation skills
Organization and time management
Social communication and self-advocacy

7. Ask Helpful Questions

What adult outcomes are we preparing for?
What skills does my child still need?
What supports will change after graduation?
What services replace school-based supports?

When Do Transition Services End?

Transition services typically end when a student:

Graduates with a diploma, or
Ages out of services (usually at age 22)

Stay Organized and Advocate

Keep a binder or digital folder with IEPs, evaluations, and contacts
Follow up on questions in writing
Request revisions if goals or services are unclear

Important Transition Tasks for Parents

As students approach adulthood, there are several important steps families should complete to help set their child up for success after high school. The DDS Helpline recommends connecting with a DDS Transition Advisor, exploring decision-making options through Probate Court, and applying for programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid (HUSKY C), if appropriate. Students should also complete a work assessment through BRS, obtain a photo ID, and register to vote. Taking these steps early can help ensure a smoother transition to adult services and supports.

For a step-by-step guide click here.

Resources

Transition IEP Process Planning Form
CT CORE Transition Skills: Assessments & Resources
As More With Autism Near Adulthood, Clues To Success Emerge
- How do you maximize the likelihood for a young person with autism spectrum disorder to successfully transition into employment? Here is a link to an article in Disability Scoops, a good on-line resource for disability related issues. This research is identifying the critical importance of independent living skills in people’s future success.

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