Transitioning to Employment and Advocating for Myself (TEAM) is a collaboration between Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Des Moines Public Schools and Easterseals Iowa. The goal of the program is to better prepare Des Moines Public Schools students for life after high school, focusing on skills to prepare them for their careers, including post-secondary education.
Employment Specialists in each Des Moines Public High School help students by providing pre-employment transition services, which could include:
- Job Exploration Counseling: Job shadows, mock interviews, interest inventories, resume writing, etc.
- Work-Based Learning Experiences: Internships, job shadows, etc.
- Counseling on Opportunities: College visits, assistance on college applications, exploring colleges on the internet, etc.
- Workplace Readiness Training: Financial literacy, transportation training, social skills
- Self-Advocacy Instruction: Advocating for your rights, including accommodations or assistive technology, etc.
TEAM serves transition-age high-school students (age 14-21) in Des Moines Public High School who have either an IEP, a 504 plan or other documented disability.
Funding Accepted: There is no cost to participate.
Students are identified by their IEP case managers/roster teachers at school, by the school’s Work Experience Coordinator (WEC) or by the employment specialist. Case Managers can reach out to the WEC or Employment Specialist at the student’s respective school to apply.
Students can be identified and recommended to the program by families interested in the program. Students are also recommended for the program by school and Easterseals team members.
Please contact your Des Moines Public School for additional information and/or apply for the TEAM program. Easterseals Iowa Intake Coordinator, Renee Bell at rbell@eastersealsia.org or 515-309-1783 may also assist you in getting connected to your Des Moines Public School.
