Developmental Education

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.

Breathwork and Self-Regulation Techniques

Learn how to self-regulate through a variety of breathing patterns. Benefits include reducing anxiety and improving focus and sleep. Additional self- regulating techniques such as journaling, meditation and visualization will be introduced.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 3 to March 5
10 to 11:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-067, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Digital Literacy II

NEW COURSE: Continue building your tech skills with lessons on online safety, digital citizenship, research, Artificial Intelligence and essential tools to navigate the digital world. Use these skills to, connect with others, and succeed in school, work and life.

Tuesday, Feb. 3 to April 14 (no class March 31)
9 to 10:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-204, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Enhancing Language

Enrich and expand existing language skills through activities emphasizing communicative interaction and experience-based language. Verbalizing words and ideas in meaningful contexts encourages content retention and facilitates individual learning.

Monday, Feb. 2 to April 13 (no class March 30) 
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-020, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Film as Literature

NEW COURSE: This class will use movies like Wizard of Oz, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Secret Garden, Harry Potter, The Shack, and Stand by Me specifically selected to teach students how to read, discuss, empathize and understand how stories are the same and how they are different when told on film versus told in novel format.

Thursday, Feb. 5 to April 16 (no class on April 2)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-072, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Introduction to A.I. (Artificial Intelligence)

NEW COURSE: Explore the fun and creative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Learn what AI is, how it helps in daily life, and try simple tools for making art, music, stories and more–all in a safe and engaging way.

Tuesday, Feb. 3 to April 14 (no class on March 31)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-205, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

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.

Monday, Feb. 2 to April 13 (no class on March 30)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-068, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Money Management

Gain a basic understanding of how to manage money. Topics include cash, ATMs, credit and debit cards, shopping, budgeting and avoiding debt. Develop a simple budget that addresses basic expenditures, savings and discretionary spending.

Friday, Feb. 6 to April 17 (no class April 3) 
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
LEISR-0070-050, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Narrative Reading and Writing

NEW COURSE: Using stories selected from Chicken Soup for the Soul texts, based on student-specific interests, students will learn how to read, discuss and empathize with the scenario proposed. They will then use this knowledge to reflect on, share and write their own narratives in a safe, supportive environment.

Tuesday, Feb. 3 to April 14 (no class March 31)
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-071, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Practical Health

Explore practical health information needed to navigate the adult world. Discuss common social and real-life scenarios that adults encounter. The class is be divided into six sections: body awareness, medicine, first aid, nutrition, social awareness and other practical matters.

Friday, Feb. 6 to April 17  (no class April 3) 
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-040, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Time Management

Complete activities that encourage personal organization as it relates to calendars, schedules, telling time and using time in everyday situations.

Wednesday, Feb. 4 to April 15 (no class April 1) 
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-025, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

1:1 2D Animation Instruction

A DaniMation instructor provides individualized animation instruction in a one-on-one session designed to meet the student’s learning needs and interests. Four hours of instruction take place at a time and date arranged by student and instructor. Contact Tracy Kline at (630) 942-3779 for more information.

LEISR-0070-108, $272
Virtual classroom

DaniMation Introduction

Neurodiverse students discover the power of animation as a means of expression, communication and storytelling. Introductory topics include techniques, tools and software used to create unique animated worlds. Students may enroll in more than one session. Sessions are held virtually.

Monday, April 13
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-105, $149

Monday, April 20
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-106, $149

Monday, April 27
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-107, $149

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 II

Continue exploring topics related to word processing, text editing, margins, text alignment, tabs, bullet lists, envelopes and labels. Recommended preparation: Computer Skills I

Monday and Wednesday, Feb. 16 to April 15 (no class March 30 and April 1)
Noon to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0022-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Floral Design

Discover basic skills used by florist shop employees. Explore floral preparation, cutting, care and preservation. Learn to identify types of flowers and foliage used in floral arrangement and designs. Take home floral projects of your own. Note: This is one of four classes needed to attain the Horticulture Skills Series certificate of completion.

Monday and Wednesday, April 6 to May 6 
9 to 11:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0021-003, $379
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Food Service Skills II

Gain basic/intermediate skills used in food service occupations, including safe food handling, food preparation and cooking. Students must be able to independently perform basic kitchen tasks. Recommended preparation: Food Service Skills I

Friday, Feb. 6 to April 10 (no class Feb. 27 and April 3)
10:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0042-001, $349
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

General Office Skills II

Learn basic office tasks and the operation of office machines. Topics include filing, mailing, copying, faxing and time management skills. Recommended preparation: General Office Skills I

Tuesday and Thursday, Feb. 17 to April 16 (no class on March 31 and April 2)
4:30 to 6:20 p.m.
VOCSK-0025-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Hospitality Skills I

This class focuses on sanitation basics and customer service.  Information related to county and state sanitation requirements for hotels and restaurants is covered. Students also learn principles related to proper greetings, anticipating guests’ needs, answering questions, and the importance of a positive attitude.   This is one of four classes required to receive the Hospitality Skills Series certificate of completion.

Tuesday and Thursday, Feb. 3 to March 26
Noon to 1:50 p.m.
VOCSK-0051-001, $399
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

Keyboarding and Business Communication Skills I

NEW COURSE: Learn computer keyboard and typing basics and how to apply these skills in order to write effective business letters, emails and other forms of business communication.

Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 16 to April 15 (no class on March 30 and April 1)
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0023-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Propagation Skills I 

This class builds on the concepts covered in Horticulture I and Horticulture II with a focus on propagation. Students explore the propagation of plants by simple stem cuttings, leaves, seeds and roots. All plants grown will be documented and tracked to "market-ready" status. The course will cover entry-level skills required to work at a retail nursery or greenhouse. This class is one of four classes required to receive the Horticulture Skills Series certificate of completion. Recommended preparation: Horticulture Skills I or II 

Tuesday and Thursday, Feb. 3 to March 26 
9 to 10:50 a.m. 
VOCSK-0091-001, $299 
Technology Education Center (TEC) 

Workplace Communication Skills I

Practice essential workplace communication skills useful for speaking with employers, coworkers and the public.

Monday and Wednesday, Feb. 16  to April 15 (no class March 30 and April 1)
11:05 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. 
VOCSK-0013-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Horticulture Series

Developmental Education students may take a series of four courses to develop entry-level skill sets that can be used in the horticulture industry.  Students who complete this four-course series will receive a certificate of completion.

• Horticulture Skills I or II
• Propagation I Propagation II
• Floral Design

Note: Course offerings may vary each term.

Hospitality Series

Developmental Education students may take a series of four courses to develop entry-level skill sets that can be used in the hospitality industry. Students who complete this four-course series will receive a certificate of completion.

• Hospitality I
• Hospitality II or III
• Food Service Skills I
• Food Service Skills II

Note: Course offerings may vary each term.

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.

Feed Your Need to Read

Students are guided through group activities and individualized instruction to boost overall reading abilities. Literacy-focused instruction provides challenges and unlocks more of each student’s learning potential.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 3 to April 16 (no class March 31 and April 2) 
5 to 5:50 p.m.
LEISR-0070-400, $225
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Instructor: Amy Lee Richlinski is an experienced educator 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.