Specialized Transition Employment Planning Services (STEPS) is a Saint Paul Public School service to help students with special education needs prepare for employment and independence after graduation.

Students are placed at work-based learning sites within the community and receive hands-on job training at these community-based sites.  STEPS is responsible for the placement of the students and the coordination between site staff and Saint Paul Public Schools.

The STEPS office is located in the Focus Beyond Transitions Services building at 340 Colborne Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102. For more information, contact Rebecca Andestic, STEPS Lead. 

Email: rebecca.andestic@spps.org

Telephone: (651) 744-1974

FAX: (651) 293-5998

What is transition planning?
Preparing students with special education needs to achieve maximum independence and become successfully employed after high school graduation is the focus of successful transition planning.

Federal and State legislation have mandated “transition” as a curriculum requirement for all students 16-22 years old with special education needs. Learners with special needs are individually placed at non-paid educational training sites within the community. Learning occurs while students are engaged in daily living skills, occupational guidance and preparation and personal social skills. These sites are considered to be STEPS classrooms in the community; as such, Saint Paul Public Schools assumes responsibilities typical for students in regular classroom settings. Each community experience provides an opportunity for application of previously acquired "on the job" knowledge and skills. Students learn new skills in realistic work settings. STEPS sites are coached/taught by school personnel. Classroom credit is given for this valuable educational experience.

Travel Training
Travel instruction is provided for students needing to learn to travel independently in their communities and to and from their worksite.

Information about Travel Training