Sending a child off to college can be difficult for any parent. The process of finding, applying to and preparing a child for college can be daunting for parents of children with special needs, such as Asperger’s, developmental delays, ADD and learning disabilities.
College Living Experience (CLE) is especially designed for students with special needs and their families. CLE provides students with the structure and supervision they need to progress through a college program while offering a controlled opportunity for them to experience life and learn to live as independent adults.
Safety and Support
Students at CLE experience independence and learn the skills they need to live on their own, but CLE provides the support and instruction to do it safely. Many students come to CLE without knowing how to use public transportation or cook for themselves but they learn these skills – and many others – from nurturing CLE staff members in a safe environment.
Professional Attention
CLE provides students with social skills guidance, independent living skills instruction and intensive tutoring tailored to their individual needs. All instructors are bachelor’s- or masters-prepared and possess expert knowledge in their subject area. Group discussion sessions are facilitated by licensed clinical psychologists.
Independent Living Transition
CLE provides an opportunity for students to transition from living at home to living on their own. It forms a bridge between the two stages of life, and parents are notified of progress all along the way. Students learn how to establish and maintain a budget, follow a schedule and be responsible for their own actions—all skills that are necessary to live as an independent adult.
CLE is a comprehensive, coordinated and multi-disciplinary program that provides students with the academic, social and independent skills support necessary to learn how to be successful, independent adults. Please contact CLE at 800-486-5058 if you would like information about CLE or would like to enroll.
To learn more about CLE from a parent’s perspective, please read stories from the following parents of CLE students: