Our Program

We strive to educate students and to assist them in realizing their full potential as responsible, productive contributing members of society by providing an educational environment in which students are challenged, excellence is expected, and differences are valued.

Program Purpose

The STAR program is a post high school special education transition program available to students of Eastern Carver County Schools as determined by their Individual Education Plan (IEP) teams. The program focuses on the 3 areas of transition including employment, post-secondary education or training, and where appropriate independent living.  The STAR program is designed to assist students in preparing for success in adult life by focusing on student and team identified transition outcomes. Direct and related services are offered onsite at the STAR program, and students may also receive services offsite or via coordination with community, adult services and interagency relationships. Students that attend the STAR program may walk in graduation with their graduating class but will not receive their diploma until completion of the STAR program by accomplishing goals identified by the team or aging out at age 21.

Eligibility

Eligibility is determined by a student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) Team.  Students at the STAR program are 18-21 years old, but have not yet received their high school diploma. The team considers the student’s progress toward post high school transition goals and the students’ needs related to their disability. Decisions are based upon the results of educational evaluations, progress toward IEP goals, progress in the general education curriculum, and the transition goals of the individual student and parents/guardians as discussed in IEP team meetings.