4PLUS Program

There is no charge to families for 4PLUS students. Tutoring, life skills training, room, board and program-related transportation* are provided as a service of 4PLUS (no billing for these services).

School districts may be billed for:

• one-on-one paraeducators
• daily transportation from home to ISD* (for students who live off campus)
• tuition for education training programs or community college classes
• equipment, tools, supplies required for job training
• required college textbooks and tools
• job coaching
• assistive technology

*See page F on the IEP page or call (712) 366-3227 for more information.

Employment Path

Students considered for 4PLUS must be capable of independent employment and willing and able to work weekends and/or holidays. Referral to the program is an IEP team decision, based on needs for independent living and/or employment skills. Students on this path must be willing and able to work in the metro area three out of four weekends per month, adhere to the work schedule, and must accept a variety of work experiences. Preferences cannot be guaranteed.

College Certification Path

Students in the certification training program should be capable of certificate training program course work and career work, are expected to attend all college classes and are required to work or volunteer part time.

• IEP team decision based on interest and aptitude of student
• IEP team decisions based on need for independent living and/or employment skills
• Vocational Rehabilitation IPE and/or teacher recommendation

College Degree Path

Students must meet three of the four following criteria:

• ACT composite score of 14
• Lexile score of 900 or above (approximately 6th grade level grade equivalency)
• High school cumulative GPA of 3.0 in non-modified courses
• Teacher recommendation

Students on the college degree path are limited to three college classes per semester, and are expected to attend all college classes. Students are required to work or volunteer part time.

Download a Printable Flyer

Students are provided instruction, support and practice in the following areas. Classes are determined by the IEP team, and vocabulary is emphasized in all courses.

• Employability readiness skills
• Budgeting & finance
• Personal & professional relationships
• Independent health & lifelong fitness
• Driver’s education (if applicable)
• Independent living skills
• Civics & current events
• Community awareness & exploration
• Nutrition & meal planning & cooking
• English, basic math (if needed)

Students who are entitled to special education services and have unmet vocational and life skill needs may be considered as appropriate candidates for the 4PLUS Transition Program. Other considerations will be looked at on an individual basis. The IEP team will determine if the 4PLUS is right for your child.

No. Some 4PLUS Transition students are day students and return home every evening. Other students live on campus during the week and go home every weekend. The residential program is open during the academic school year. Students reside at home on weekends, during major holidays and when school is not in session. Students who are employed in the Council Bluffs/Omaha metropolitan area may be granted permission to stay in the dorms on the weekend if necessary to sustain employment.

Students may work with dorm staff to determine opportunities in Council Bluffs and Omaha. Students meet weekly to prepare a meal and monthly to plan a community outing. 4PLUS Transition students are eligible for Special Olympics sports such as basketball, bowling and track. If enrolled at Iowa Western Community College, there are many organizations to join.