COMMUNITYBASED TRANSITION CENTER

Communitybased Transition Center is a public school that is part of the Van Buren ISD school district, located in PAW PAW, MI with about 70 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. With about 12 teachers, Communitybased Transition Center has a student/teacher ratio of about 5:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Community-Based Transition Center (CBTC), located in Paw Paw, Michigan, and operated by the Van Buren Intermediate School District (VBISD), is a specialized educational facility focused on preparing young adults with disabilities for life after high school. Unlike a traditional academic high school, the center emphasizes functional life skills, vocational training, and community integration. The program is designed to bridge the gap between secondary education and independent adulthood, ensuring that students have the necessary tools to navigate the workforce and their local communities successfully.

The center’s curriculum is highly individualized, often focusing on areas such as self-advocacy, career exploration, job coaching, and daily living skills. By utilizing a "community-based" approach, students frequently participate in work-based learning opportunities and internships with local business partners, allowing them to gain real-world experience in a supported environment. Ultimately, the CBTC serves as a vital resource for families within the VBISD, aiming to foster independence, improve employability, and enhance the overall quality of life for students as they transition into their adult roles.

For more information, contact Communitybased Transition Center at (269) 415-0270 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.