School Partnerships & Contracted Services

Empowering Students with Disabilities Through Meaningful Work Experiences

Why partner with PAEP?

PAEP partners with school districts to provide students with disabilities real-world job training, hands-on experience, and a clear pathway to competitive, integrated employment.
Through customized partnerships, we help students build confidence, develop essential workplace skills, and successfully transition from school to adulthood.

Who We Partner With

PAEP collaborates with:

      • School districts
      • Transition programs (ages 18–22)
      • Special education departments
      • Transition coordinators and case managers
      • Vocational and work-study programs

Services We Provide

Services can be customized based on district needs, student goals, and program structure:

Job Coaching at Community Training Sites

We provide on-site job coaching to support students as they build skills in real-world work environments.

Development of Community Training Sites

PAEP develops and secures training sites with local businesses, creating hands-on learning opportunities tailored to student needs and interests.

Job Development

We work with students to identify career goals and connect them with opportunities that align with their strengths and preferences.

Job Placement

Our team supports students in securing competitive, integrated employment in the community.

Job Coaching & Ongoing On-Site Support

We provide continued support to ensure students maintain success, build independence, and grow in their roles.

Workplace Readiness Training

Students develop essential soft skills including communication, teamwork, time management, and professionalism.

M. Lee Learning Lab

The M. Lee Learning Lab offers a structured environment where students build foundational job and life skills through hands-on learning and guided instruction.

IEP Collaboration & Meeting Participation

Our staff actively collaborates with school teams and can attend IEP meetings to provide insight, align services with student goals, and support transition planning.

Impact & Why Schools Choose PAEP

For Students:

  • Increased independence, confidence, and self-advocacy
  • Development of transferable job and workplace skills
  • Successful transition from school to competitive employment
  • Access to structured, real-world learning opportunities

For Schools:

  • Proven experience in disability employment services
  • Strong employer network across multiple counties
  • Individualized, student-centered approach
    Seamless collaboration with school teams, including IEP participation
  • Focus on long-term success, not just short-term placement

PAEP is proud to support students in achieving meaningful, long-term employment outcomes while strengthening connections between schools and local employers.

Funding & Contract Options

We offer flexible partnership models to meet your district’s needs:

• Contracted transition services
• Support aligned with IEP goals and post-secondary outcomes
• Scalable programs for small or large groups
• Collaborative planning with district leadership

We work closely with schools to ensure services are effective, compliant, and impactful.

PAEP proudly partners with school districts throughout DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, Lake, McHenry, DeKalb, and Kendall Counties

Let’s Build a Partnership That Works for Your Students

PAEP is committed to helping students with disabilities gain the skills, experience, and confidence needed to succeed in the workforce.

Please fill out the form below with questions or inquires. Please allow at least 24 hours for a response.

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