At The Calais School in Whippany, students with special needs gain the independent living skills, workplace knowledge, and personal confidence they need to succeed. This is the story of Chelsea C., a Calais alumna who attributes her success in college life and employment to her experiences at Calais.

Chelsea C. started attending The Calais School in twelfth grade and was a student in Calais’ 12 Plus Program. She spent a total of three years at Calais before transitioning to her home district and officially graduating in June 2022. When asked what she valued most about her time at Calais, Chelsea listed learning how to handle emotions and building lasting relationships as a few of the many ways that Calais ultimately transformed her life.

While attending Calais, Chelsea successfully completed a workplace safety certification from Rutgers University, as well as the ServSafe Food Handler online certification program. ServSafe, which is a qualification recognized by the hospitality industry, provides food safety training. These certifications helped Chelsea learn about industry specific standards as well as fair labor standards, employee responsibilities, workplace hazards and more. For the past six months, Chelsea has been using her qualifications to work part-time at a fast-casual restaurant near her home, both in the kitchen and behind the register. 

In addition to her online certifications, 12 Plus Work Based Learning experiences also played a major role in building Chelsea’s confidence and success on the job. “My internships… helped me know what to expect when going into work and getting a taste of the workplace environment.” Like Chelsea, many of our students have struggled with anxiety and uncertainty about entering the workforce. Calais’ Work Based Learning (WBL) program gives students first hand experience in managing workplace expectations and developing effective communication skills. When Chelsea finds herself struggling while on the job, she practices some of the transferable skills that she learned at Calais’ WBL sites.

Chelsea also made incredible progress socially both during and after her time at Calais. Past experiences at other schools left Chelsea feeling hurt, isolated, and anxious. However, once she began working with Calais’ counseling staff and teachers, she found herself “forming friendships with others who also had special needs and relate to them on so many levels.” Through Community Based Instruction (CBI), Chelsea exercised her newfound confidence mingling with her peers during recreational activities and experiences within the local community. Two of her favorite social experiences through our CBI program were going to a movie theater and picking pumpkins. 

During her time at Calais, Chelsea also participated in the College Bridge Program in partnership with County College of Morris for three semesters. The experience of attending a college campus and acclimating to the rigors of college life gave her the confidence to pursue an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Hospitality Management. After college graduation, Chelsea hopes to establish her own business operated entirely by employees with special needs. “[Calais]… has given me insight of how to help others with special needs like me, because my Calais friends look up to me as a great helper and friend. Calais is one of my biggest inspirations of why I want to work with special needs individuals in the future.”

Chelsea continues to keep in touch with friends from Calais by playing games online, hosting and attending parties, and more. Overall, Chelsea attributes her successful transition from high school to adulthood to The Calais School’s in-house and off-campus student supports. Learn more about how The Calais School’s 12 Plus and College Bridge Program can prepare you for your future by visiting our website.