LAUNCH

What is Launch?

Launch offers an enhanced learning experience for students with developmental disabilities in their final year of high school. Through individual and small group activities, the project covers four fundamental service areas:

• inclusion,
• employment,
• learning, and 
• friendships. 

Launch creates connections and an improved knowledge of available supports for youth with developmental disabilities who are seeking adult services following high school through:

• student assessments,
• discoveries and education in employment, 
• life skills, and
• social connection. 

Launch also supports students in their journey toward independence in adulthood through their development of life skills, job readiness and community connections. 

Transition to Adulthood

Our goal is to offer a more seamless transition to adult services. By offering early engagement that supports youth to identify goals and create connections, Launch will help youth and their families to better understand individual needs and access supports available after high school.  

Proven Track Record

Kyndred has a proven track record of working closely with the Delta School District to support students with additional support needs in their later years of high school. Our Leading Employment and Achieving Possibilities (LEAP) project supports youth with developmental disabilities to secure work in their community and is rooted in the understanding that early access to meaningful employment leads to long-term success. This guiding principle inspires the introduction of the Launch program which is designed to help youth transitioning to adulthood experience independence and success and ultimately, to thrive in a supportive community. 

FAQ 

Who is eligible for Launch?

 Students registered in the Delta School District who are in the final year of their Evergreen Certificate. 

Will Launch replace high school participation for the student's final year. 

Launch will not replace high school attendance but will augment the learning environment by offering targeted, customizable supports based on individual assessments and interests.  

What can I expect to learn through Launch? 

Launch will offer individualized program planning which will include assessments, discoveries, practical life skills (transit training, healthy lifestyles), and employment readiness.  

What makes Launch different?  

Launch will supplement the existing learning opportunities for students enrolled in their final year of the Evergreen Certificate program. In some cases, this year serves as a repetition of Grade 12 which can lead to disengagement and lack of interest in attendance for students whose peers have graduated and left the school. Launch will offer one-to-one and small group learning focused on creating improved social and community connections designed to support success after high school. 

How many hours of support does Launch offer?

Kyndred is funded to offer up to 8 hours of support per student, per week. Launch staff may increase program delivery capacity by offering appropriate small group learning opportunities, which may result in increased program hours.

When is Launch available?

Launch programming will be available during the school year for students who are enrolled in their final year of high school. Program supports will typically be available during school hours, during the school week however some supports may take place evenings and weekends depending on specific goals (community connections, customized employment supports etc).