It’s a big jump from life as a student to life as an adult for students with autism and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. In adult service settings, the routines are different, individualized support is reduced, and adults are expected to work more independently and for longer periods of time.
To help ease that transition, The Bancroft School developed the Move Up program, an initiative designed to prepare students for the realities of adult day and employment programs. The Move Up Program began as a pilot during the 2024–2025 school year and has since expanded to include multiple classrooms at The Bancroft School’s Welsh Campus in Mt. Laurel, NJ.
Supporting the Transition to Adulthood
Shaped collaboratively by leaders across Bancroft’s education and adult services teams, Move Up gives students hands-on experience in an environment that mirrors what they’ll encounter after graduation. The program focuses on building independence, confidence, and real-world readiness — skills that are critical for long-term success.
“When students graduate and move into adult day services, it can feel like a culture shock,” said Megan Danial, Teacher Lead at the Bancroft School. “The environment, expectations, and staffing ratios are very different from what they’re used to in school.”
To address this, the Move Up program was designed using direct feedback from adult service providers. “We worked closely with our adult services teams to understand what students need most as they transition out of school,” said John Barnard, Director of Curriculum. “That feedback helped shape the focus of the program, especially around independence, stamina, and social communication.”
Learning in Real-World Settings
Students participating in Move Up spend part of their day in Bancroft’s Facilities Building, where a longer walk and a new setting help mirror the travel and transitions common in adult services. There, they follow individualized schedules, engage in group and independent work, and practice skills such as problem-solving, communication, and workplace readiness. Staffing ratios are intentionally reduced to promote independence and self-advocacy.
A key component of the Move Up program is extended off-campus participation. Students spend longer periods of time in community and work-based settings than they would in traditional school programming, allowing them to build stamina, adjust to longer shifts, and practice managing their time and responsibilities. This experience mirrors what students can expect in adult day and employment programs and helps make the transition to adulthood feel more familiar and manageable.
“The way this program bridges the gap is through generalization,” said Christopher Masterson, Education Supervisor. “Students are learning to apply their skills across settings, work with different staff, and rely less on prompts, just like they will be asked to in adult services.”
Preparing for What Comes Next
For students still building toward that level of independence, Bancroft also offers a Pre-Move Up program. Pre-Move Up follows a similar structure while providing additional supports, allowing students to build stamina and confidence before transitioning into Move Up.
Technology also plays an important role in the program. Students use digital tools to practice workplace tasks such as email communications, job applications, and other technology-based skills that are increasingly essential in today’s workforce. This technology component was made possible through a generous grant from PwC, helping equip students with the tools they need to succeed beyond school.
As the Move Up Program expands and evolves, Bancroft’s education and adult services teams will continue to collaborate, using ongoing feedback and outcomes to refine the program and ensure it continues to meet students’ needs.
