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.

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-0070-103, $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, Oct. 13
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-100, $149

Monday, Oct. 20
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-101, $149

Monday, Oct. 27
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-102, $149

Breathwork and Self-Regulation Techniques 

Students will 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, Sept. 16 to Oct. 16
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-067, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Building Good Habits

NEW COURSE: This course teaches how small, consistent changes lead to big results. Learn strategies for building lasting habits, improving productivity, health and personal growth through practical, science-based techniques. 

Tuesdays, Sept. 9 to Nov. 11
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-204, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

The Creative You

This class brings out students' creativity through the opportunity to create a variety of different crafts involving floral arrangements, decorative laminating and a terrarium. Supplies will be provided in class. 

Fridays, Sept. 12 to Nov. 14
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-095, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Cultures Around the World II

NEW COURSE: This course, which is a continuation of Cultures Around the World I, will focus on a different variety of countries and their customs, culture and systems.

Fridays, Sept. 12 to Nov. 14
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LEISR-0070-202, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Current Events

Students learn about and discuss the news as it happens from day to day. We hope to increase students’ understanding of global issues, economics and politics in relation to the United States and our world. Other related topics we hope to include are sports, humor and entertainment as they apply to our community. 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10 to Nov. 12
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-055, $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. 

Mondays, Sept. 8 to Nov. 10
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-015, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Digital Literacy I

NEW COURSE: This course covers online safety, digital citizenship, research skills, artificial intelligence and basic tech skills to help navigate the digital world, stay connected, contribute to your community and succeed both personally and professionally.  

Thursdays, Sept. 11 to Nov. 13
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-203, $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.  

Mondays, Sept. 8 to Nov. 10
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 
LEISR-0070-075, $199 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Let’s Get Crafting

Students gain an introduction to loom knitting, crocheting and a variety of other craft projects. The class explores the basics of knitting, including casting on, binding off, using knit and purl stitches and reading basic knitting patterns. Students will receive a supply list prior to the start of class. 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10 to Nov. 12
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
LEISR-0070-030, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Nutrition and Health

Students explore the role of nutrition in their overall health. Topics include the importance of food choices, food shopping, basic kitchen methods and basic personal health care. 

Wednesdays, Sept. 10 to Nov. 12 
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 
LEISR-0070-050, $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.

Animal Care Skills

Our pets are like members of our family, and caring for them is important to keep them happy and healthy. We will discuss all kinds of companion animals and review common skills for animal care and animal-related careers.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, Sept. 29 to Oct. 10 
Noon to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0071-001, $129 
Carol Stream Center, Room 110

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.  

Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 15 to Nov. 5
Noon to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0021-001, $299 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Computer Software Skills I

NEW COURSE: This course helps strengthen basic computer skills, covering essentials like email, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Zoom. Students will practice document management, calculations, video calls, electronic communication and creating presentations. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 6
9 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0022-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Employment Skills

This class introduces on-the-job skills. Topics include understanding standards of behavior, time management, and communication with employers, coworkers and the public.  

Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 15 to Nov. 5
11:05 a.m. to 12:55 p.m. 
VOCSK-0011-001, $299 
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Food Service Skills I

This course provides basic Information required for entry-level food service occupations. Topics include demonstration and hands-on learning related to basic sanitation, safe food handling, safety issues, basic food preparation and cooking. 

Fridays, Sept. 5 to Oct. 24 
10:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0041-001, $349 
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

General Office Skills I

This is an introduction to basic office tasks and the operation of office machines. Topics include filing, mailing, copying, faxing and time management skills.  

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 6 
4:30 to 6:20 p.m. 
VOCSK-0025-001, $299 
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Horticulture Skills II

This course focuses on the propagation, growth and care of various plants. Topics include types of propagation and the caring of plants from propagation to maturity. Emphasis is placed on late summer/fall plants, foliage plants, houseplants, natives and succulents. Students will have the opportunity to select plants to propagate and apply their acquired skills. This class or Horticulture Skills I is one of four classes required to receive the Horticulture Skills Series certificate of completion. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 6
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0062-001, $299
Technology Education Center (TEC)

Hospitality Skills III

This course focuses specifically on restaurant service, covering basic server skills, including setting a proper table and delivering food to tables. The information and skills learned will be applied by assisting the COD culinary team and serving guests in the Waterleaf Restaurant on campus. This class or Hospitality Skills II is one of four classes required to receive the Hospitality Skills Series certificate of completion. 

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Sept. 16 to Nov. 6
Noon to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0051-003, $399
Culinary and Hospitality Center (CHC)

Keyboarding Skills I

Learn computer keyboard and typing basics, including touch-typing alphabetic and special characters.  

Mondays and Wednesdays, Sept. 15 to Nov. 5
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0020-001, $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, Sept. 9 to Nov. 13
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.