As a parent, guardian, or educator supporting a high school student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan, preparing for life after graduation can feel like entering uncharted territory. You want your young adult to gain meaningful independence, develop confidence, and build real-world job skills—but traditional summer programs don't always cater to unique learning needs.

That is where Florida Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Career Camps come in. Designed specifically for students ages 14 to 21 with IEPs or 504 Plans, these pre-employment programs bridge the gap between high school and the workforce through specialized Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) programs in Florida.

Below, we break down what Career Camps for students with IEPs in Florida are, how Pre-ETS work, and how your child can participate through Better Steps Life Skills Center at no direct cost to your family.

What are Florida VR Career Camps?

Florida VR Career Camps are specialized, structured training programs funded through the Florida Department of Education’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). These camps focus on providing Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities while they are still enrolled in high school.

Instead of a typical recreational summer camp, a Career Camp offers an interactive, hands-on environment where students explore potential job fields, practice workplace social skills, build professional resumes, and learn how to advocate for themselves in adulthood. You can learn more about how our structured curriculum operates by exploring our Florida VR-sponsored career camps for students with IEPs and 504 plans.

What Do Students Learn at a Pre-ETS Career Camp?

At Better Steps Life Skills Center, our seasonal career camps (held during Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter breaks) focus on five core pillars of workforce preparation:

1. Job Exploration Counseling: Discovering personal strengths, career interests, and potential job fields that match each student's unique abilities.

2. Workplace Readiness Training: Learning soft skills essential for keeping a job—such as teamwork, professional etiquette, time management, and communication.

3. Self-Advocacy & Confidence Building: Teaching students how to express their needs, understand their rights, and speak up for accommodations in the workplace.

4. Work-Based Learning Experiences: Hands-on activities, workplace simulations, and real-world exposure that prepare students for Florida VR On-the-Job Training (OJT) and supported employment placement.

5. Post-Secondary Counseling: Exploring options for vocational training, trade programs, or higher education after high school graduation.

Every participant who completes a session walks away with a professional working resume and a Certificate of Completion to add to their portfolio.

Who is Eligible for Florida Career Camps?

To qualify for a VR-sponsored Career Camp, students must meet a few simple criteria:

• Age: Must be between 14 and 21 years old.

• School Status: Currently enrolled in high school or a secondary educational program in Florida.

• IEP or 504 Plan: Have an active Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan.

• VR Authorization: Must be referred by or connected with a counselor from the Florida Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Is there a cost to attend? No! For active Vocational Rehabilitation clients, these career camps are 100% state-funded with no out-of-pocket costs for families.

How to Register Your Child for a Better Steps Career Camp

Getting your child enrolled in an upcoming seasonal session takes four simple steps:

1. Connect with Your VR Counselor or IEP Team: Ask your child’s school transition coordinator or VR counselor for a referral to Better Steps Life Skills Center for Career Camp Services.

2. Choose Your Seasonal Session: Better Steps offers multiple session lengths throughout the year across Florida, including:

   • Spring Career Camp (20-Hour Intensive Workshop)

   • Summer Career Camp (50-Hour Immersive Experience)

   • Fall Career Camp (20-Hour Intensive Workshop)

   • Winter Career Camp (50-Hour Comprehensive Track)

3. Complete Registration with Better Steps: Our team will help you verify authorization and confirm program logistics.

4. Start Building Career Readiness: Watch your child gain independence, build lifelong friendships, and take their first real steps toward a fulfilling future.

Empowering Independence for Florida Youth

The journey toward employment doesn't happen overnight, but giving your child the right foundation during their high school years makes all the difference. Florida VR Career Camps equip youth with the tools, confidence, and real-world understanding they need to thrive.

Ready to get started?

Please feel free to contact the Better Steps Life Skills Center team to verify VR authorization or call our team directly at (800) 864-8718 to learn more about upcoming seasonal career camps in your area!