A self-contained life skills class is a type of educational program typically found in special education settings. It is designed to support students with significant cognitive, developmental, or physical disabilities who need a structured and individualized learning environment. At Hug we have 34 students and 3 teachers that make up our amazing program.
The curriculum in a self-contained life skills class focuses on practical skills that help students function as independently as possible in their daily lives. These skills are typically categorized into the following areas:
1. **Daily Living Skills:**
- Personal hygiene (bathing, grooming, brushing teeth)
- Dressing and undressing
- Cooking and food preparation
- Laundry and household chores
- Money management (understanding currency, making purchases)
2. **Social Skills:**
- Communication (verbal and non-verbal skills, using assistive technology if needed)
- Interpersonal relationships (making friends, understanding social cues)
- Conflict resolution
- Community interactions (using public transportation, grocery shopping)
3. **Functional Academic Skills:**
- Basic math (time management, counting money, measurement)
- Reading and writing (filling out forms, reading signs, writing simple notes)
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
4. **Vocational Skills:**
- Job readiness (following instructions, task completion)
- Job-specific skills (depending on the student’s abilities and interests)
- Work-based learning experiences (internships, supported employment)
5. **Health and Safety:**
- Understanding personal safety (stranger danger, emergency procedures)
- Basic first aid
- Healthy lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise)
The goal of a self-contained life skills class is to equip students with the necessary tools to live as independently as possible and to integrate into the community. The class environment is typically smaller, allowing for more personalized instruction and attention to each student's needs. The curriculum is highly individualized, often with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to each student’s specific goals and abilities.
The program emphasizes practical application of skills in real-world settings, helping students generalize what they learn in the classroom to their daily lives.