Our Mission

Why is it Meaningful to Hire Goodwill?

MISSION DRIVEN

By hiring Goodwill Sign Language & Interpreting Services, you will help create job opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment. That’s because Goodwill is a division of Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County. For every dollar generated in revenue by Goodwill , 84 cents goes toward funding Goodwill’s mission of providing job training and placement opportunities for those in most need in Southern Los Angeles County.

GOODWILL JOB PROGRAMS FUNDED BY Goodwill

Certified Nurse Assistant Training Program
Culinary Arts Career Services
Direct Job Placement Services
Homeless Services
Loss Prevention Agent Training Program
Retail Management Program
Southeast L.A. County Employment Services
Supported Employment (for Individuals with Disabilities)

*In 2016, more than 7,500 individuals accessed Goodwill Southern Los Angeles County’s job programs.

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES

ADA COMPLIANCE – Goodwill provides language and interpreting services to a diverse range of businesses and public agencies to ensure that all individuals have equal access.

Goodwill SERVED IN 2016 – More than 5,000 individuals were assisted with language and ASL interpreting services through Goodwill in 2016.

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Individualized Education Program

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a document developed for each public school child in the United States who needs special education. The IEP is created through a team effort and reviewed periodically. It is required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures that children with disabilities receive an appropriate education tailored to their individual needs.

Key Components of an IEP

  • Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP): This section describes the child’s current abilities, including academic performance and other relevant areas such as social skills, behavior, and communication.
  • Measurable Annual Goals: These are specific, measurable goals that the child is expected to achieve within a year. Goals are tailored to the child\'s unique needs and should be realistic and achievable.
  • Special Education and Related Services: This details the specific special education services, accommodations, modifications, and supports the child will receive. This might include speech therapy, occupational therapy, or any other related services.
  • Participation with Non-Disabled Children: The IEP outlines the extent to which the child will participate in regular educational settings and activities alongside peers without disabilities.
  • Assessment Participation: The document explains how the child will participate in state and district-wide assessments, including any accommodations or modifications needed.
  • Transition Plan: For students 16 years or older (or younger, if deemed appropriate), the IEP must include a plan for transitioning from school to post-school activities, including employment, postsecondary education, or independent living.
  • Progress Monitoring: The IEP describes how the child\'s progress toward meeting annual goals will be measured and reported to parents.

IEP Development Process

  • Referral: A student is referred for evaluation due to concerns about academic or developmental progress.
  • Evaluation: A team of professionals conducts a comprehensive evaluation to determine whether the student qualifies for special education services under IDEA.
  • Eligibility Determination: Based on the evaluation, a team decides if the child is eligible for special education services.
  • IEP Meeting: If eligible, an IEP meeting is held with the parents, educators, and other relevant professionals to develop the plan.
  • Implementation: The IEP is put into action, and teachers and other staff members provide the outlined services and support.
  • Review and Revision: The IEP is reviewed at least annually to update goals and services as needed based on the child’s progress and changing needs.

The IEP is a crucial tool in ensuring that students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs, providing them the support necessary to thrive academically and socially.