The Next Step program was established four years ago to help qualifying young adults in St. Clair County with an identified disability develop independence and work skills. The program, offered through St. Clair County RESA, is now set to replace the Transition Program, formerly operated by the Virtual Learning Academy of St. Clair County. Next STEP which stands for Student Transition Experience Program, will relocate to classrooms on the campus of St. Clair County Community College. Deana Tuczek, RESA’s Director of Special Education, said, “Next STEP will focus on developing employability, community involvement, and independent living skills for the students.” The current transition program has been at RESA’s TEC building through a contract with the Virtual Learning Academy of St. Clair County and expects to enroll around 30 students when classes resume this fall at SC4.
