Launchpad Teacher Guide Transition Support Resource
Launchpad Teacher Guide
3-STUDENT LESSON
Pacing
60-90 Minutes (Highly flexible for small groups)
Focus
Self-advocacy scripts, safety networks, and next-week calendars
The Vibe
Celebratory, empowering, reassuring, highly personal
The Power of Three: Small-Group Facilitation
With only three students, this lesson shifts from a "lecture" to an intimate, conversational launch workshop. Use this setting to validate fears, customize transitions, and build strong individual bonds. Give each student ample uninterrupted airtime to vocalize their plans and feelings.
Step-by-Step Lesson Roadmap
1
Celebratory Warm-Up (15 Mins)
Project Slide 1 & 2. Facilitate memory-sharing. Celebrate graduation achievements, look over old photos if available, and establish a celebratory tone. Emphasize that transitioning is an adventure they've worked hard to prepare for.
2
The Next Adventure: Goal Setting (20 Mins)
Use Slide 3 & 4 alongside Page 1 of the student packet. Guide students to outline their immediate post-secondary focus (e.g., job coach program, community college, or volunteer work) and draft their primary transition contact info.
3
Self-Advocacy & Accommodations (20 Mins)
Review Slide 5. Work through Page 2 of the student packet. Have students role-play requesting their specific work or classroom accommodations using the script templates. Emphasize their rights under ADA.
4
Memory Signing & Launch Ceremony (20 Mins)
Complete Page 3 of the packet. Students write warm words on each other's packets. Present a ceremonial "Launch Certificate" or high-five to each of the 3 students individually with dedicated words of affirmation.
Transition Launchpad © 2026 Page 1 of 2
Transition Support Resource
Coaching & Facilitation Prompts
Key Facilitation & Reflection Prompts
Use these open-ended prompts to gently guide the conversation during the slide presentation.
• Reflecting on Growth: "Think back to when you first started here. What is something you can do easily now that felt hard back then?"
• Handling Uncertainty: "It's normal to feel a little nervous about next week. What is one small step we can write down for Monday to make it feel easy?"
• Advocacy Script Practice: "Who is the first person you will share your accommodations with in your next program? Let's practice saying it together."
Tailoring the Lesson to Different Paths
Because your class has exactly 3 students, you can tailor your direct coaching to their exact paths:
Path A
Supported Work & Day Programs
Focus on identifying transition agents (e.g., Voc Rehab Counselor or Job Coach). Have them practice sharing accommodation needs like "I learn new jobs best if someone writes down the instructions."
Path B
Community College & Trade School
Emphasize contacting the campus Office of Accessibility Services immediately. Practice telling instructors, "I have a legal right to extended test time and note-taking services."
Path C
Supported Independent Living & Community Action
Focus heavily on emergency circles, public transit routines, and visual calendars to prevent isolation during the first post-grad months.
Pro Tip: Preventing the "Post-Graduation Cliff"
Many special education students experience a sudden lack of structure once the daily routine of high school ends. Use Page 1 of the activity packet to plan a concrete schedule for the very first week after graduation (even if it's as simple as waking up at 8:00 AM and going to a local park/library). Structure is safety!
Transition Launchpad © 2026 Page 2 of 2
Launchpad Activity Packet Student Explorer
___________________________
Launch Date
___________________
LAUNCHPAD MAP
My Next Adventure
Use this sheet to outline your plan and build structure for your first week after graduation.
My Main Post-Secondary Goal
Where are you heading? (e.g., job coach program, community college class, volunteer group, day program)
My Support Contacts
Primary Transition Agency (e.g., Vocational Rehab, Case Manager)
Family Member or Emergency Advocate Contact
Keeping Balanced & Healthy
What is one fun or healthy activity you will do to stay happy and active?
My First Week Blueprint
Fill in a specific plan for each day next week to build structure.
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Class of 2026 • Launchpad Packet Page 1 of 3
Student Explorer
___________________________
Launch Date
___________________
ADVOCACY SCRIPT
My Advocacy Blueprint
Knowing your needs and practicing your advocacy script is the key to independent success.
Key Transition Needs (Check all that apply to you)
Extended testing time / quiet space Visual schedule / daily checklist Demonstration / hands-on training Frequent short rest breaks
My Classroom & Workplace Script Builder
Fill out this advocacy blueprint. Practice reading it out loud with your small group!
1. Setting the Stage (Saying what you are good at):
"Hello, I am excited to work with you. I want you to know that I am really good at
."
2. Stating Your Accommodation (Saying what helps you succeed):
"To do my very best work here, it helps me most when I am allowed to use
."
3. The Ask (Requesting concrete support or checks):
"If I ever feel stuck or have a question, is it okay if I
?"
Class of 2026 • Launchpad Packet Page 2 of 3
Student Explorer
___________________________
Launch Date
___________________
TEAM KEEPSAKES
Our Class Launchpad
With exactly three of us in this class, we've formed a close-knit team! Share nice words, strengths, and signatures below.
Classmate Name:
Team Member 1
A favorite memory of you:
Launchpad Celebration Slides Transition Launchpad
Class of 2026
The Next Adventure Begins
A celebration of your hard work, your incredible growth, and the exciting steps waiting for you next week.
Welcome to your final day!
Ready for takeoff
Step 1: Celebrating Growth Memory Lane
How Far You Have Come
Think back to your first week of transition class. You have learned new routines, practiced professional communication, and conquered fears.
Let's Talk!
"What is one skill you have mastered this year that makes you feel proud?"
Daily Independence
Managing schedules, transit, and time.
Self-Advocacy Strength
Speaking up, choosing pathways, seeking support.
Transition Launchpad Slide 2 of 7
Step 2: Next Steps Support Map
You Are Never Alone
Independence doesn't mean doing everything by yourself. It means knowing exactly who to ask for help. Your support network travels with you.
Who is in your network?
Name one family member, teacher, or counselor who has your back.
Family & Friends
Immediate personal support circle.
Job Coach
Workplace accommodation support.
Case Manager
Transition service coordinator.
Co-Workers
Peer advocates on the job.
Transition Launchpad Slide 3 of 7
Step 3: Self-Advocacy Your Voice
Speaking Your Truth
You have a legal right to reasonable accommodations at work and in college. Self-advocacy means sharing what you need so you can do your best job.
Pro Tip
People want to help you succeed! Sharing your strengths first makes your ask feel super confident.
Practice Advocacy Scripts
Let's work through Page 2 of your Packet together. Open your script builders!
"I do my best work when I..."
Helps employers assign the right tasks.
"Can you show me an example of..."
Guarantees clarity before you begin.
Transition Launchpad Slide 4 of 7
Step 4: Next-Week Plan Weekly Structure
Next Monday Blueprint
Graduating means you have more free time. The trick to feeling great next week is creating a routine right away!
Goal Checklist
• Wake up at a consistent morning hour.
• Schedule one specific place to visit.
