Transitional Education Service Alternative Program (TESA)
Transitional Education Service Alternative: TESA
About TESA (DCTC, BTC)
The Transitional Education Service Alternative (TESA) program serves the transition needs of young adults ages 18 until the day before their 22nd birthday. Staff, students, families, and community providers work together to identify the student’s unique strengths and interests and develop a plan to provide instructional and community opportunities to meet their transition needs. Areas addressed may include independent living skills, employment skills, academic or functional skills, communication and social skills, self-advocacy, and post-secondary planning. For those students considering post-secondary education following graduation, there are also opportunities to build their skills in preparation for college, including understanding the resources and supports available through disability services.
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TESA uses a personalized, hands-on approach to help students build independence and prepare for employment, post-secondary education, and community involvement. Students have opportunities to develop job-ready skills through community job sites, volunteer experiences, and the PAES Lab, while also learning practical independent living skills such as budgeting, meal preparation, and housing awareness. For students pursuing college or technical training, TESA provides support with career exploration, financial aid, disability services, and self-advocacy skills. The program also encourages social connection and personal growth through activities, clubs, field trips, and other community-based experiences.
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Students are provided related services based on needs outlined in their Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), including speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and mental health support. Through strong collaboration among students, staff, parents/guardians, and community partners, TESA helps students build the confidence and skills needed for successful adult living.
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School Nurse Contact Information Name Phone # Fax # Email DCTC JoAnn Nagy 651-423-8344 651-423-8781 joann.nagy@isd917.org Bloomington Transition Center Lourdmy Jean 651-423-8130 651-423-8781 lourdmy.jean@isd917.org - For more information, see ISD 917 Health Services
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TESA at DCTC
Intermediate School District 917 provides quality, nutritious breakfast and lunch meal options at this location. ISD 917 participates in the MN Free School Meals Program and all students are eligible for one free breakfast and one free lunch per day.
2026-2027 Prices for Additional Meal Items
- 2nd Student Breakfast: $2.72
- 2nd Student Lunch: $4.47
- Additional Milk: $0.45
- Adult Breakfast: $3.00
- Adult Lunch: $5.00
Learn more about school and child nutrition programs on the MDE Food and Nutrition page.
If you have any questions about School Nutrition, please contact your child's school.
Educational Benefits
All families are encouraged to apply for Educational Benefits. Educational Benefits offer more than just free school meals! Applications for Educational Benefits are still used to determine how much funding a school receives for educational programs and supports, as well as determine eligibility for families to receive WIC benefits, transit assistance, reduced price internet programs, and programs for children. If you think you may qualify or are interested in applying for Free or Reduced Price Educational Benefits, complete the Application for Educational Benefits, found on our School Nutrition Page, or though the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
TESA at Bloomington Transition Center (BTC)
ISD 271 provides quality, nutritious breakfast and lunch meal options at this location. ISD 271 participates in the MN Free School Meals Program and all students are eligible for one free breakfast and one free lunch per day.
All TESA at BTC families are encouraged to apply for Educational Benefits.
For more information about ISD 271's school nutrition programs, visit the Food Services page.
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Member District Transportation Number Special Education Number Special School District 6, South St. Paul 651-451-1375 651-457-9496 Independent School District 191, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage 952-985-7500 952-707-2069 Independent School District 192, Farmington 651-463-8689 651-463-5023 Independent School District 194, Lakeville 952-985-7513 952-232-2011 Independent School District 195, Randolph 507-263-2151 507-645-4773 Independent School District 196, Rosemount-Apple Valley- Eagan 651-423-7685 651-423-7626 Independent School District 197, Mendota Heights-Eagan-West St. Paul 651-403-8321 651-403-7011 Independent School District 199, Inver Grove Heights 651-306-7095 651-306-7821 Independent School District 200, Hastings 651-437-1888 651-480-7016 Independent School District 271, Bloomington 952-681-6300 952-681-6508
