ENCSD Independent Living Center

ENCSD provides an opportunity for the seniors to participate in a residential
Independent Living Program. The program is designed for students to
make the transition from living in a dorm setting to living in a simulated
apartment. The students learn to balance academics, a part-time job and
extra-curricula activities as they apply “real world” responsibilities. They use
money earned from their part-time jobs to purchase groceries for their
meals. They are taught the skills of budgeting, meal planning, problem
solving, communication, and accessing community resources. Community
service experiences are also practiced.

The practicum experience reinforces those skills learned in family consumer
science, English, math, science, and job readiness classes. With guidance and
supervision in a realistic setting, the students apply these skills.

In the performance-based curriculum, the students earn privileges according
to the level of responsibility they exhibit. Through this systematic progression
of applying specific independent living skills, students are motivated to
complete expectations of the program.

Currently, the Independent Living Center is in the process of
being renovated. We are looking forward to having a quality, fully accessible
facility to accommodate the transitional needs of our students.