Young adults with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities who
can independently and safely manage classroom expectations and find their way to classes
can continue their education through College of DuPage's Developmental Education Program.
If you are a student in a high school transition program or have completed a transition
program and are ready to explore post-secondary resources, review some of the exciting
options that are available.
Our courses will help students continue to increase academic and employment skills
and improve overall communication and independence abilities. Once enrolled a Literacy,
Reach Out, or Vocational Skills course, students must complete Developmental Education
Information and Code of Conduct forms in order to assist staff with providing appropriate
instructional experiences. Note that no COD-sponsored transportation is provided for
these classes.
Upcoming Courses
Click each subject below to learn about upcoming courses.
Aimed at building life skills, Reach Out courses help students develop independence and self-advocacy abilities. Topics covered include living independently, communication skills, current events, managing money, nutrition and health, decision making and goal setting.
Basic Civics
This class focuses on the basic concepts associated with local,state and federal governments. Students learn about legislative processes and the importance of being active participants in our democracy.
Monday and Wednesday, June 30 to July 30
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-060, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Daily Communication
This course reviews basic concepts of communication. Students participate in role-playing activities to help develop the positive verbal and non-verbal skills and confidence needed to speak to others. Topics include beginning and ending a conversation, asking pertinent questions and appropriately participating in a conversation.
Monday and Wednesday, June 30 to July 30
9 to 10:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-015, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Everyday Math
This class teaches students how to apply basic math skills to situations everyone encounters on a daily basis. Concepts covered are related to money, time, recipes and more.
Monday and Wednesday, July 7 to Aug. 6
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-075, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
New Course: Improving Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is a basic skill for everyday living. Each day we are faced with a variety of problems, some simple and some complex. In this class, students will be practicing solving problems by matching them with appropriate solutions.
Tuesday and Thursday, July 1 to July 31
9 to 10:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-080, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
New Course: Improving Vocabulary I
This class will focus on improving vocabulary. This class will address “Instant Words” lists and classifications and exclusions. The progression of tasks in each area will be as follows: recognizing answers, choosing answers, generating answers, and inferring answers. Time will be given for class discussion of responses, allowing students to reflect upon the thinking processes they will use.
Tuesday and Thursday, July 1 to July 31
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-085, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
New Course: Introductory American Sign Language
This engaging course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL). Through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and real-life scenarios, students will develop basic communication skills in ASL.
Tuesday and Thursday, July 1 to July 31
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-068, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Introduction to Improv
This one-day, two-hour workshop helps students explore acting as a fun and creative outlet and develop skills that boost confidence.
Friday, June 13
9 to 11 a.m.
LEISR-0070-035, $59
McAninch Arts Center (MAC), Room 188
Personal Awareness
This course is divided into two sections. The first five sessions explore personal values, goals and the development of emotional management skills. The remainder of the course covers personal safety and includes topics such as staying safe in public and at home, internet safety, identity theft and making healthy decisions.
Monday and Wednesday, June 30 to July 30
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-020, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Survival Reading
This class focuses on the types of reading required to live in a modern society. Students practice and develop their skills in the areas of reading bills, instructions, maps, schedules, menus, catalogs and other written materials.
Tuesday and Thursday, July 1 to July 31
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-120, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Vocational Skills courses are developmental-level, non-credit courses designed to develop workplace skills that can lead to competitive, entry-level employment and enhance everyday living skills. Most courses meet two days a week, two hours a day for eight weeks on campus in Glen Ellyn.
Students are integrated into the COD campus life by being supported through the student services that are afforded to all COD students.
Computer Skills I
This class introduces computer technology and word processing. Instruction includes an overview of the basic parts of a computer, how to create and edit documents for business, and how to use the internet and email. Prerequisite: Keyboard Skills I or previous keyboard experience.
Tuesday and Thursday, May 27 to July 17 (no class June 19)
Noon to 1:50 p.m.
VOCSK-0021-001, $279
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Keyboarding Skills I
Learn computer keyboard and typing basics, including touch-typing alphabetic and special characters.
Tuesday and Thursday, May 27 to July 17 (no class June 19)
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0020-001, $279
On campus in Glen Ellyn
Literacy classes are available for students with mild to moderate intellectual or developmental disabilities who are interested in improving their reading comprehension skills.
Course materials are assigned according to current levels of performance, and students work at their own pace. Individualized instruction is provided by our instructors who have vast experience in the area of reading instruction.
Feed Your Need to Read Course
This literacy-based class focuses on improving reading comprehension skills in order to unlock more of each student's learning potential. The goal of our Literacy course offerings is to provide reading instruction that will assist in the continued development of this crucial life competency.
Instructor
Amy Richlinski is an experienced public school teacher who has Master's Degrees in Elementary Education and Special Education.
All Developmental Program Literacy courses take place on campus in Glen Ellyn.
For more information regarding literacy courses, call (630) 942-3779 or email ce@cod.edu.
Register Today
Sign up easily through Instant Enrollment. Be sure to provide a personal email address when registering and check your spam or junk folders regularly so you don’t miss course updates.- To participate in online or hybrid classes, you’ll need access to a computer, tablet (such as an iPad), or similar device with a camera and microphone. Classes are delivered via Zoom and/or the Blackboard learning platform.
- To ensure a smooth start, registration for online courses may close up to 48 business hours before the course begins.
Career Opportunity ACHievement (COACH) Program
The COACH program is a two-year (four-term), cohort program for adults with mild intellectual or developmental disabilities. COACH has been developed to provide post-transition students with additional educational training aimed at preparing them for meaningful employment.Contact Information
Tracy Kline, Program Coordinator
(630) 942-3779
Email: klinet940@cod.edu
Continuing Education
Student Resource Center (SRC), Room 1110
(630) 942-2208
Email: ce@cod.edu
Fax: (630) 942-3785