The Landscape: Established Excellence
North East ISD (NEISD) is a district of specialized choices. Serving the "built-out" northern suburbs of San Antonio, NEISD focuses intensely on retention through quality. From its renowned Agriscience Magnet Program (AMP) to its high-performing fine arts departments, the district offers robust pathways for student engagement.
For Special Education families, this culture of "specialization" extends to the post-secondary years. As students approach graduation, the focus shifts from general academics to specific, tangible outcomes: employability and independent living. In a district that values high performance, parents rightfully expect high-quality transition planning.
North East ISD Transition Services & Job Coaching
When students with disabilities turn 18 (or complete their credit requirements), they may be eligible for "18+" services if they have not yet met the criteria for graduation under their IEP. Parents searching for North East ISD transition services job coaching are typically looking for the "bridge" between the classroom and the workforce.
Job Coaching
The Role: Direct Support.
A job coach accompanies the student to a job site (often a local business partner) to teach the specific tasks required. As the student gains independence, the coach fades their support.
VAC (Vocational Adjustment Coordinator)
The Role: Coordination & Strategy.
The VAC is a specialized teacher who assesses the student's vocational interests, sets up job sites, and ensures compliance with Texas transition laws.
The Common Gap: Parents often feel that transition goals are too vague (e.g., "Student will express interest in a career"). Effective transition planning in Texas must be based on age-appropriate instructional assessments.
You have the right to ask: "What specific vocational assessment data was used to create this goal, and does the district have a partnership with a business that matches my child's interest?"
Strategy: Securing Meaningful Transition Services
In NEISD, access to the best 18+ programs often depends on the strength of the "Transition Supplement" in your child's ARD document.
Start at Age 14
Texas law requires transition planning to begin by age 14 (earlier than the federal requirement of 16). Ensure your child's first transition ARD includes a true interest inventory, not just a casual conversation.
Define "Job Coaching" Frequency
If job coaching is agreed upon, the IEP must specify the frequency and duration. Avoid "as needed." Request specific minutes per week of direct job coaching to ensure the service is delivered.
Link Goals to Post-Secondary Agency
Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) can be involved while your child is still in school. Ask your ARD committee to invite a TWC representative to the meeting (with your consent) to discuss pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS).
The Standard: Morgan's Wonderland
Morgan's Wonderland, located right here in our community, is the world's first "ultra-accessible" theme park. It has fundamentally raised the bar for what San Antonio families expect regarding inclusion.
Morgan's isn't just a place to play; it's a model for employment. The park employs many individuals with disabilities, proving that with the right environmental design and job coaching, our children can thrive. When you sit in an NEISD ARD meeting discussing transition, use Morgan's as your mental benchmark. If a theme park can design a world where your child fits perfectly, your school district can certainly design a transition plan that does the same.
How We Support NEISD Families
Transition planning generates a lot of paperwork. Navigator Kids AI helps you organize vocational assessments, graduation plans, and agency contacts into a coherent strategy.
Local San Antonio Resources
Morgan's MAC (Multi-Assistance Center)
A one-stop-shop model providing medical and non-medical services to individuals with special needs.
Any Baby Can San Antonio
Offers case management and prescription assistance, often supporting families through critical transitions.
Arc of San Antonio
Provides life enrichment programs and advocacy for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.