The NCIA Youth in Transition School offers several vocational education opportunities to our students. The programming we have available for our special education population is very important to our students and to the school systems referring students to our school. The school’s vocational programs offer students an opportunity to learn valuable vocational skills in one of six programs. Participation in these programs not only gives students a foundation of work skills but the Barbering and Introduction to Health Care programs also lead to post-secondary opportunities for our students, including licensure, college, and employment.

Student services focus on the integration of academics, delivery of applied instructional techniques, implementation of tech prep programs of study, credit articulation, and a variety of school-to-work transition opportunities that equip each student with the academic and technical skills necessary to become a life long learner and contributing member of society. Students identify their career preferences and are placed accordingly based on vocational assessments and other tools.

The Barbering Theory curriculum provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the barbering trade – training them for employment in the field. Students are instructed in the safe and proper use of barbering equipment, as well as the required health and safety standards associated with providing barbering services. Students enrolled in this program work to earn the necessary 1200 skill hours in order to sit for the Maryland State Barbers exam. To further promote employability in today’s barber shops and salons, emphasis is placed on 21st century barbering-styling techniques and contemporary hairstyles.
The NCIA Youth in Transition School follows the Prince George’s County, Maryland Public School’s curriculum as a guide, modifying as needed for our students.

The Building Maintenance and Construction program trains students in the skills they’ll need on the job. This program emphasizes safety and appropriate work attitude in the work place. Our students learn basic building trades, such as basic woodworking, basic plumbing, basic electrical work, and basic masonry, as well as how to apply this knowledge in the real world. Through hands-on training in the School’s woodshop, they also gain experience in basic areas of construction, such as building or repairing simple furniture.

As importantly, the program helps students acquire the attitude they’ll need for successful employment, such as understanding the importance of getting to work on time, cooperating on team projects, and how to be respectful of customers and fellow employees.

The Culinary Arts program prepares our students for employment in the food service industry. Students are involved in practical work in the kitchen, as well as related class work, and develop skills in sanitation, storage, food preparation, and the safe handling of food. They receive practical experience in planning, preparation, and the serving of meals through interaction with School visitor groups and fellow students. Along with the culinary staff, the students help prepare over 100 breakfasts and over 150 lunch servings each day. During the school year, students gain valuable experience by working in the food industry.

The program helps students acquire the skills and attitude they’ll need for successful employment, including the importance of getting to work on time, cooperating as a member of a team, and how to be respectful of customers and fellow employees.

The Horticulture program prepares our students in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, and greenhouse management. Students become proficient in tasks such as propagating plants, preparing seedbeds and soil mixes, keeping supply inventories, watering and fertilizing plants as needed, creating floral arrangements, and identifying the presence of pests and disease and treating each accordingly – skills they’ll need for future jobs such as landscapers, greenhouse staff, and florists. Through volunteer and practical experiences, they have the opportunity to apply their new skills in real world, hands-on environments – both working independently and as part of a team.

The program helps students acquire the attitude they’ll need for successful employment, including the importance of getting to work on time, cooperating as a member of a team, and how to be respectful of customers and fellow employees.

The Introduction to Health Care program teaches our students the skills they’ll need to move into an array of health care positions. Through hands-on training, students become proficient in areas such as customer service and basic health care, and also learn to use and apply medical terminology. Students finishing the program may go on to employment as Certified Nursing Assistants, dietary aides, and health care housekeepers. Students who excel in this program have the opportunity to attend the Baltimore City Community College’s Nursing Assistant program and earn their C.N.A. as well as volunteer at Keswick Geriatric Facility and gain valuable hands on experience in the field.

They also acquire the attitude they’ll need for successful employment, including the importance of getting to work on time, cooperating as a member of a team, and how to be respectful of patients and co-workers. The program is taught by a teacher in consultation with a registered nurse and follows the Carroll County, Maryland Public Schools nursing curriculum guide.

The Warehousing program is designed for students who are interested in working in a warehouse/logistics environment. Our students gain an understanding of all areas associated with warehouse work, such as supply and demand, supply ordering, inventorying, order fulfillment, and customer service. The school’s warehouse, in partnership with The Maryland Food Bank, orders, stores, and delivers food products and cleaning supplies for NCIA’s residential programs. This is a unique opportunity for the students to gain real life experiences in the arena of warehousing while at the same time providing support to a non-profit organization.