What is Beyond?

Beyond is a transition program for Ankeny Community School District students 18-21 years old on a current IEP.

According to IEP needs, students will study and apply practical knowledge in the areas of personal, daily, and community living to elevate their levels of social, economic and personal independence.

Beyond has a small student-to-teacher ratio with two teachers serving up to ten students.

Beyond operates from 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Community Living

Students access local community offerings that may be of interest as they grow in their independence. Students plan and participate in frequent community outings to generalize their skills. Outings may include accessing shopping, exercise facilities, seasonal events, leisure activities, restaurants and other locations of interest.

Healthy Living, Rec & Leisure

Students learn the value of and personal needs met by healthy living and participating in varied recreation and leisure activities. On and off site facilities are utilized along with a furnished apartment.

Daily Living

Students learn daily time management, selecting and managing a household, caring for personal needs, financial literacy and organization and executive skills. Students also learn personal life skills such as self-determination and interpersonal skills, communication, decision making, social awareness and self-advocacy. In addition, students will plan balanced meals, grocery shop, puchase items using cash or credit card and prepare meals daily.

Employability

Students build awareness and knowledge of employability through exploring employment clusters, societal values, needs met by employment and appropriate skills that would apply to any employment situation. Emphasis is placed on understanding why we work and the importance of jobs within our society.