Rationale:

Work experience is an important component of educational programming for students with special needs. This work based program provides the following opportunities….

·        Teaching students with special needs transitional work skills in a safe environment.

·        Providing opportunities in high school for students with special needs to interact with their regular education peers.

·        Providing a feeling of “self-worth” for students with special needs as the students have a sense of being an important part of the school and providing an important service to staff and students.

·        Many students with special needs have significant problems learning skills in one setting and transferring them into another.   The kafe environment provides “real life” vocational training since the skills performed are similar to the skills needed in many community based job sites.