MEC - Vocational Services

Center for Occupational Awareness and Placement (COAP)
This program provides vocational, academic, life and social skills curriculum to students aged 14 - 22 with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. The curriculum is both classroom and community based to provide students with the opportunity to develop and apply new skills. The purpose of this program is to prepare individuals for adult life. COAP staff also works with students, their families and adult service agencies to assist students with their transition to adulthood.

Age/Grade Range:
Age 14 - 22/ Grades 9 - 12+
Location:
40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Hours:
8:30 am - 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
185 day school year, plus 7-week summer program
Additional Services:
After school recreation, mini internships, social skills group, community service, Parent Advisory Council
Student Handbook:
Click here to view the COAP/SCOAP Student Manual 2007-2008.
Student Packets:
Click here to view the New Student Packet 2007-2008.
Click here to view the Returning Student Packet 2007-2008.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Program Manager
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800, ext. 227

Supported Center for Occupational Awareness and Placement (SCOAP)
This program accommodates students who would benefit from the COAP curriculum but require more intensive assistance to access the academic and vocational opportunities. This program is entwined with COAP and has access to the same community-based employment opportunities and classroom activities. SCOAP students learn functional skills necessary for entry-level employment such as: social, life, academic and work adjustment skills. The curriculum is both classroom and community based to provide students with the opportunity to develop and apply new skills. The purpose of this program is to prepare individuals for adult life. SCOAP staff also works with students, their families and adult service agencies to assist students with their transition to adulthood.

Age/Grade Range:
Age 14 - 22/Grades 9 -12+
Location:
40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Hours:
8:30 am - 2:30 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
185 day school year, plus 7-week summer program
Additional Services:
After school recreation, mini internships, social skills group, community service, Parent Advisory Council
Student Handbook:
Click here to view the COAP/SCOAP Student Manual 2006-2007.
Student Packets:
Click here to view the New Student Packet 2006-2007.
Click here to view the Returning Student Packet 2006-2007.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Program Manager
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800, ext. 227

School-to-Work Internship
This program was established to meet the needs of students who could benefit from independent community-based vocational experiences with built-in natural supports. Internship opportunities are developed at community-based businesses accoridng to the individual interests of the students. Student schedules are flexible, with a range of 3-6 hours per day, 2-5 days per week.

Through on the job training, students will develop specialized trade skills and independent life management skills. The goal of this program is to provide students with training opportunities within their field of interest that will prepare them for skilled or semi-skilled employment.

Age/Grade Range:
Age 16 - 22/Grades 9 -12+
Location:
40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Hours:
Flexible
School Year:
185 day school year, plus 7-week summer program
Additional Services:
Natural supports and periodic staff visits
Student Packets:
Click here to view the New Student Packet 2006-2007.
Click here to view the Returning Student Packet 2006-2007.
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from SPED Director, followed by referral packet sent to:
Program Manager
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800, ext. 227

Vocational Services
This program offers vocational evaluation, work adjustment training, job placement and job support services to adults with disabilities who have been referred by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Opportunities to explore many different vocational areas are provided for those who need employment guidance.

Age/Grade Range:
18 or post-public school
Location:
40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
84 Brick Kiln Road, Chelmsford
Hours:
8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
Full calendar year
Additional Services:
Natural supports and periodic staff visits
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from MRC, followed by referral packet sent to:
Co-Executive Director
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800, ext. 227

Community-Based Employment Services
This program offers vocational assessment, career planning, job placement, travel training and employment supports to people who no longer receive public school services, have a diagnosis of intellectual impairment, and are self referred or referred by DMR or MRC.

Age/Grade Range:
18 or post-public school
Location:
40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Hours:
Flexible
School Year:
Full calendar year
Additional Services:
Natural supports and periodic staff visits
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from state agencies (MRC and DMR), or self-referral. Participants complete an eligibility form which is reviewed by Statewide Employment Services:
Co-Executive Director
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800, ext. 227

Today and Tomorrow Work Services
These work services provide employment supports and community integration opportunities to adults with disabilities. The goal of the service is to assist individuals in achieving the maximum possible level of vocational and community independence. After work recreation is also available.

Age/Grade Range:
Over 22
Location:
40 Linnell Circle, Billerica
Hours:
8:15 am - 2:15 pm, Monday through Friday
School Year:
Full calendar year
Additional Services:
After work recreation
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from DMR, followed by referral packet sent to:
Co-Executive Director
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800, ext. 227

Complete Vocational Assessment Battery
A student’s vocational aptitudes and interests are assessed through the variety of tests included in the McCarron - Dial Vocational Assessment Battery as well as an interest inventory and a situational assessment.

The situational assessment takes place with one of our mentors at a community business. The student is observed in a real work setting and feedback is provided based on his/her ability to meet the necessary demands of the job.

The reports generated include two computerized reports, the Individualized Trait Analysis (ITA) and an analysis of the Perceptual Memory Tasks (PMT). MSEC also includes a 10-12 page written report which includes the following:

Summation of the ITA and PMT
Results of the Wide Range Interest Opinion Test (WRIOT2) interest inventory
Observations of the situational assessment
Recommendations to establish a realistic vocational plan
Referral Process/Contact:
Initial contact from the school district, followed by referral packet sent to:
Senior Associate Director
40 Linnell Circle
Billerica, MA 01821
978-528-7800, ext. 227