Students arrive at the Center for 9:30 classes. Some have driven themselves, some have arrived in private cars driven by family or caregivers and some have had long bus drives with other students provided by our local para-transit service.

Students with mobility problems are escorted into the building where they receive gait belts or wheelchairs if they are necessary.

All students make their first stop at the name tag board to pick up their name tag. Name tags include the students name and are coded to alert staff and volunteers to hearing, vision, heart and/or diabetes issues. Some tags are identified with a yellow ribbon. This signals everyone at the Center that the student needs to be accompanied when walking from class to class or to the restroom or lunch.

Students then pick up daily schedules that are printed and placed around the nametag, as reminders of classes, locations and times.

Students generally attend 4 classes a day. Lunch period is between the 3rd and 4th class period.

Classes are chosen from among the four departments, depending on student goals and educational needs. There is an attempt to provide a balanced program for each student with sample classes from all areas. However, student needs predominate and classes are chosen based on the student’s individual education plan or IEP.

Lunch is considered a class in itself, since social eating is an important aspect of our culture. Students bring their own lunch as a “homework” assignment to practice nutrition and planning. Students who enjoy exercise and are building endurance often eat quickly an use the balance of the period to walk in the adjacent park area. Other students use the time to socialize or rest.

The final period ends at 2:00
and students return to their homes
either in private transportation
or with para-transit services.