Programs & Services
LIFE Skills
Learning Independence through Functional Education
Program Structure
The LIFE Skills program provides instruction in a self-contained classroom designed to meet the needs of students requiring intensive educational support. Each classroom is staffed by one teacher, one program paraprofessional, and additional one-to-one paraprofessionals as determined by each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Class sizes are intentionally small, with a maximum of eight students, allowing for highly individualized instruction and support.
Programming is available for students from kindergarten through age 22, providing continuity of services as students develop the academic, functional, and life skills needed for greater independence.
Students We Serve
The LIFE Skills program is designed for students with moderate to intensive educational needs, including those with multiple disabilities, autism, and other significant support needs. Students often have substantial adaptive behavior deficits and require intensive adult prompting and direct instruction to develop academic, communication, and daily living skills.
The program also serves students who experience significant barriers to functional communication and whose educational needs are best met in a self-contained least restrictive environment (LRE) with smaller class sizes. Instruction is based on a functional curriculum aligned with the Ohio Academic Learning Standards – Extended and includes significant accommodations and modifications. A strong emphasis is placed on community-based instruction to help students apply skills in real-world settings.
Specialized Programming
The LIFE Skills program provides direct instruction across all academic content areas aligned with the Ohio Academic Learning Standards – Extended. Community-based instruction is embedded throughout instructional units, allowing students to practice and generalize skills in authentic environments.
Students receive systematic instruction in social skills, internet safety, technology, daily living skills, functional communication, adaptive behavior, and pre-vocational and vocational skills. The program also teaches strategies to help students develop self-regulation skills and establish successful daily routines.
For transition-age students, school-based and community work experiences are integrated into programming to prepare for future employment and adult living. Students participate in school activities and classes with same-age peers whenever appropriate, promoting meaningful inclusion and social connections.
LIFE Skills staff collaborate with an expanded IEP team to support each student's transition planning, including preparation for opportunities at Penta Career Center and the next steps toward adult living. Related services are included as an integral part of the program to provide comprehensive support for every student.
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