Cherry Hill Standard 9 Program (S9)

Y.A.L.E. School’s Standard 9 Program is a community-based transition program that enables students to continue receiving special education beyond the senior year to gain the skills they need to reach their IEP transition goals for employment, independent living, or college readiness.

This groundbreaking approach, pioneered by Y.A.L.E. School with colleges and employers as our partners, is offered to students by both Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill as well as Y.A.L.E. School Northfield.

Students approved to attend the program by their sending school have already earned high school credits that meet state requirements, but demonstrate transition deficits warranting further special education to make progress towards their IEP transition goals.  In the Standard 9 Program, continuing high school students target these transition goals with the support of a special education teacher and additional transition specialists. In collaboration with parents and districts, the student defers accepting a high school diploma while receiving special education instruction that emphasizes learning experiences tailored to the transition needs of the student.

Participants explore and refine career goals, including those that may require a two- or four-year degree or certificate completion. In the Standard 9 program offered by Y.A.L.E. School Cherry Hill, students with college aspirations may attend remedial college classes on a non-matriculated basis at our on-site location on the campus of Camden County College. They gain the experience, skills, and practical knowledge that lead to college readiness aligned with the individual’s transition plan. In addition, students gain work experience and job readiness through community internships and job opportunities with premier business partners. Standard 9 students build skills systematically, with opportunities to apply what they have learned in natural community settings with the support of highly qualified special educators and transition specialists.

We also create our own innovative settings to provide state-of-the-art instruction and experiences – like our Vocational Skills Lab with a student-run business Co-op The Y.A.L.E. Co-op enables students to explore interests, develop business skills,  and cultivate soft skills for employment as well.

While in the program, Standard 9 students expand skills for independent living.  They explore mobility and transportation options, including use of a high-tech Driving Simulator. In addition, students acquire functional life skills at an up-to-date residential property, the Y.A.L.E. Life Skills House where they have practical instruction in home management. Weekly social skills seminars, led by a certified counselor, further prepare students to function capably in small groups and interpersonal conversations to refine communication skills especially important in transition domains.