Community-Based Transition Services
2026-27 School Year
Start for new interns: Sept. 10 & 11
Start for all interns: Sept. 14
Start time: 8:30 a.m.
Case managers will be connecting directly with CBT Interns and their families.
Program location:
Professional Development Center (PDC)
6501 N 23rd St
Tacoma, WA 98406
School day
7:30 a.m. - 1:00 pm. Mon, Tue, Thr. Fri
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Wed (Late-Start)
What is Community Based Transition (CBT)?
Community Based Transition (CBT) is an option after the comprehensive high school experience that provides transition services for students/young adults receiving special education services between the ages of 18-22 years old. These services align with the student’s age-appropriate transition assessment, post-secondary goals, and course of study outlined in their IEP. CBT’s primary mission is to assist participants toward independence in daily living tasks, community access, career exploration, linkage to local, state, and federal agencies, and future employment.
How do I get more information about CBT?
You or your student’s case manager can invite a member of CBT Staff to attend an IEP meeting to discuss the option of attending CBT services. Once a year, there is a CBT Open House held, usually in the spring. Additionally, CBT directors can be reached via phone or email.
CBT Partnerships and Internship Sites
- McLendon’s Hardware Store
- Pierce Transit
- Parks Tacoma
- Tacoma Public Schools Library Services
- Tacoma Public Schools Cafeteria Services
- PAVE- Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment
CBT Interns Receive
- Access a variety of support options.
- Individualized post-secondary plans and outcomes.
- Specially designed instruction in functional academics.
- Opportunity to participate in internships with job-coaching support.
- Access the Tacoma community via various leisure and recreation activities.
- Links to various adult service and support agencies.
Contact Us
Matthew Messing
Assistant Director
Community Based Transition Program
mmessin@tacoma.k12.wa.us
253-571-1224