​Employment Training Programs

Unicorn Children's Foundation is in a unique position to expand the vocational training and certification programs we offer across the State of Florida in high-growth industries, as a result of existing technological infrastructure and developed partnerships with industry-specific instructors. These programs support career opportunities and advancements for young adults with developmental disabilities as they enter the workforce and help them to obtain and maintain employment and increase self-sufficiency.

In partnership with Ken's Crew, Firedancer Coffee Consultants, and Easter Seals, program participants will have the opportunity to earn industry-standard certifications in Retail, Coffee, or Hospitality. In addition, program will include a 20 hour pre-employment internship which provides opportunities to explore career interests while applying knowledge and skills learned in a work setting. This valuable experience helps participants make connections between the theory and practice of academic study and the practical application as well as provides an opportunity to build professional networks. ​

 In order for an applicant to be eligible to participate he/she must meet the following criteria:
  1. Applicant must be between the ages of 16 to 30
  2. Applicant must have a documented developmental disability which includes intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, autism, spina bifida, Down syndrome, Phelan-McDermid syndrome, or Prader-Willi syndrome.
  3. Applicant must have access to a computer and internet (assistance can be provided upon request).
  4. Applicant must have a goal of paid employment upon completion of the program.
  5. Applicant must be a resident of the State of Florida.
  6. Applicant needs to be able to follow simple one-step directions (verbal or visual), adhere to safety protocols set forth by a worksite and program staff, use conventional coping strategies to communicate frustration/anger, and have no previous history or incidences of elopement, property destruction, or physical aggression towards self or others. 

​Next Session coming in September!  Interested?  Send an email to Shawneese@unicornchildrensfoundation.org.

Barista Training
Virtual class hosted via zoom

Next session coming in September!
Mondays (12 weeks)
4:00-5:00 PM EST
Unicorn Children's Foundation is partnering with Firedancer Coffee to offer​ a Barista Training program for individuals interested in the world of coffee.
​
Participants will be introduced to the world of coffee and its supply chain—from planting to roasting to retail--and learn about career opportunities within the world of coffee, along with the skills and education required for each job.  Participants will learn skills required to work as a Barista such as using a coffee grinder, make espresso and foam, and texture milk for cappuccinos. In addition, participants will learn the different methods of brewing coffee. They will receive theoretical and practical hands-on instruction for a range of devices including automatic and manual gravity brewers, as well as other commonly used brewers within their local culture. Lastly, participants will explore how to produce a tasty brew based on an understanding of the essential brewing elements and an analysis of their brew results. 

A certificate from the Specialty Coffee Association will be awarded to participants who complete the class and pass exams for Introduction to Coffee, Barista Skills Foundation, and Brewing Foundation. Participants must complete a 20 hour pre-employment internship which provides opportunities to explore career interests while applying knowledge and skills learned in a work setting.

This class is intended for adults ages 16 to 30. 
Cost: ​TBD
​Non-refundable fee

Retail Fundamentals Training
Virtual class hosted via zoom

Next Session coming in September! 
​​​​​​​Tuesdays (12 weeks)
5:30-6:30 PM EST
Unicorn Children’s Foundation is partnering with Ken’s Krew, Inc. to offer an entry level class in Retail Fundamentals.

This 12 week class is designed for adults with special needs seeking community employment in a retail environment, or for those already employed in retail looking to improve customer service and advance their skillset.  Topics covered include an overview of the retail industry, jobs within a retail setting, customer service skills, handling challenging situations, identifying personal strengths, and learning from guest speakers employed in the retail industry. 

Individuals who have difficulties reading, writing, or retaining new vocabulary and technical information are encouraged to attend with a "coach" for support. Participants will be expected to complete homework and independent study assignments throughout the course.

Upon successful completion of the course requirements, individuals will earn a certificate from the National Retail Foundation. Participants must complete a 20 hour pre-employment internship which provides opportunities to explore career interests while applying knowledge and skills learned in a work setting.

This class is intended for adults ages 16 to 30. 
Cost: ​TBD
​Non-refundable fee

Hospitality Training
​Virtual class hosted via zoom

More information coming soon!

Pre-Employment Internship Program

​In partnership with Boca West Country Club, Unicorn Children’s Foundation and Unicorn Village Academy launched a job training internship program for young adults with disabilities in August of 2018.  Interns ranged in age from 17-24 years of age who have an intellectual or developmental disability which makes it statistically more difficult for them to find jobs upon completion of high school.  The unemployment rate for youth with disabilities is approximately 80% despite their ability and willingness to work. ​
Since 2018, 9 young adults were selected for a year-long pre-employment internship program at Boca West Country Club to learn competitive, transferable, and marketable job skills in an integrated setting. All 7 interns from the 2019 class were offered jobs, with 1 receiving a full-time position with benefits.

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