Career Education Skills for Toddlers to Teenagers

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When planning your child’s future livelihood, you’ve probably heard, “Begin with the end in mind.” That means envisioning the skills they’ll need as adults. This is no small task! But you’re not alone: your child’s education team and APH resources are here to help you pace this journey. Below are action-focused ideas to help you start small and build upon your current work. 

What Are Career Education Skills? 

Career education skills for children who are blind or have low vision help them: 

• Access information using adaptive tools 

• Communicate effectively in diverse settings 

• Pursue meaningful work through planning 

• Maintain employment by learning workplace etiquette and accommodations 

Start early, refine over time, and tailor each skill to your child’s interests and pace. 

Core Skill Areas by Age 

Below are suggested age ranges and easy action items. Feel free to mix and match! 

Self Awareness 

• Preschool 
  • Name feelings (excited, frustrated) and ask, “How do you feel?” 
  • Offer choices (“Do you want grapes or an apple?”) and celebrate mistakes as “learning moments.” 

• Elementary 
  • Discuss “What do you like?” and “What’s hard for you?” after activities. 
  • Assign simple chores and praise responsibility. 

• Middle/High School 
  • Relate interests (e.g., baking can lead to culinary careers). 
  • Teach how to request workplace accommodations (e.g., “Can I use a screen reader?”). 

Communication 

• Preschool 
  • Model “listening body” (face forward towards the teacher or speaker, nodding). 
  • Teach “Please help me” and “I can do it” for early self-determination. 

• Elementary 
  • Practice “I” statements: “I need more time.” 
  • Role-play greetings and polite refusals. 

• Middle/High School 
  • Tailor tone and vocabulary to the audience (peer vs. supervisor). 
  • Connect with vocational rehab or disability organizations for jobsearch support. 

Critical Thinking & Problem Solving 

• Preschool 
  • Narrate cause/effect: “When you push, the block falls.” 
  • Ask open questions: “What could we try next?” 

• Elementary–High School 
  • Identify real problems (“My book fell”) and brainstorm solutions. 
  • Plan a solution, try it, then discuss “What worked?” 

Time Management 

• Preschool/Elementary 
  • Use a simple daily calendar: “Snack at 10, play at 11.” 
  • Encourage sticking with tasks: “Let’s finish this puzzle.” 

• Middle/High School 
  • Set one short-term goal (“Finish homework by 5 PM”). 
  • Practice prioritizing: schoolwork before screen time and allow for choice in order of tasks. 

Teamwork 

• Preschool/Elementary 
  • Group play: share toys and take turns. 
  • Roleplay “Let’s build a tower together.” 

• Middle/High School 
  • Join clubs or sports to practice collaboration. 
  • Model conflict resolution: “I feel… when you…” 

Additional Skill Areas 

• Literacy & Digital Literacy 
  • Braille books, audiobooks, screenreader practice, typing on notetakers. 

• Financial Literacy 
  • Pretend store play leads to real chores for allowance and the development of basic budgeting skills. 

• Career Exploration 
  • Preschool: “Who works here?” field trips. 
  • Middle: Build a simple resume and do mock interviews. 
  • High: job shadow, internships, meet local entrepreneurs. 

Frequently Asked Questions