A Pre-Vocational Assessment is a structured, individualized evaluation designed to help students (typically ages 14–16) begin planning for the transition from school to adult life. It is best understood as a bridge between a traditional vocational evaluation and transition planning: the focus is on identifying a student’s emerging strengths, interests, learning needs, and support requirements so families can set realistic goals and take practical next steps.

This service is future-oriented and guidance-based. It does not determine special education eligibility, provide diagnoses, or make placement decisions. Instead, it provides clear, data-informed recommendations to support early transition planning.

What the service involves

A Pre-Vocational Assessment is typically completed in structured phases:

Intake interview and background review
We begin with a review of the student’s educational history and current functioning, including strengths, challenges, interests, and family priorities. When relevant, this may include review of school records, IEP/504 documentation, and prior evaluations.

Standardized and structured assessment (age-appropriate)
The assessment may include a combination of standardized measures and structured tools selected to match the student’s needs and the referral questions. Areas commonly examined include:

• Academic skill levels relevant to training readiness (e.g., reading, writing, math)

• Vocational interests and work values

• Aptitudes and learning style considerations

• Work-related behaviors (e.g., attention, pace, task persistence, follow-through)

• Functional strengths and barriers that may affect future training or employment

Transition-focused functional analysis
Results are interpreted with an emphasis on practical implications for the next stage of development. The goal is to clarify what supports may be needed as expectations increase (greater independence, higher academic demands, community participation, and early work exposure).

Goal setting and planning guidance
Recommendations are developed to support realistic planning over the next 12–24 months. This may include guidance related to:

• Transition goals and priorities

• Skill-building targets (academic, executive functioning, independent living, social/communication)

• Early career exploration activities

• Appropriate school-based supports and accommodations (when applicable)

• When and how to consider work experiences (e.g., volunteering, internships, supported exposure)

What you receive

Clients receive a professional written report that may include: - Background summary and presenting concerns - Assessment results and interpretation - A clear profile of strengths, interests, and support needs - Practical recommendations for short-term transition planning - Suggested goal areas to guide school planning and family decision-making.

What this service does not do

To maintain clear professional boundaries, this service does not: - Provide medical, psychological, or psychiatric diagnoses - Determine special education eligibility or educational placement - Make legal or compliance determinations - Predict a single “best” career outcome.

Who benefits from a Pre-Vocational Assessment

This service may be helpful for: - Students ages 14–16 who are approaching transition planning and need clearer direction - Families who want to set realistic goals before employment or postsecondary decisions are immediate - Students with IEPs/504 Plans who need transition planning grounded in functional strengths and needs - Students who are unsure what they want to do next and benefit from structured career exploration.

A Pre-Vocational Assessment provides early clarity at a critical time helping students and families move from uncertainty to a practical plan, with goals that can be developed and refined as the student approaches adulthood.