Hey guys! Today I am teaming up with The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy to share more about their four-year, post secondary certificate program. They are mainly geared towards young adults (ages 18-28 years old) with differing abilities.

Before I started blogging, I was a high school special education teacher in the Chicago Public School system. I worked with kids with a variety disabilities including ADHD, Emotional Disorders, Autism, and more. This is an amazing program for students with differing abilities and the perfect next step after graduating from high school.

If you are a parent and have a child with special needs, then this is the perfect program for them! Today I am going to break down what the ELSA program entails and all of the amazing benefits it provides for its students:

WHAT IS THE ELSA PROGRAM?

Elmhurst University’s ELSA program is an amazing opportunity for teens with special needs. It provides an inclusive environment with opportunities for your child to interact with their peers in various activities. Your child will be able to participate in clubs, organizations, events, and other on-campus activities along with their degree-seeking peers.

BENEFITS  OF THE ELSA PROGRAM:

• ACADEMICS & CAREER EXPLORATION

Students take courses to enhance their literacy skills and abilities in writing, mathematics, purposeful reading and reading for pleasure.

Your child can also job shadow, take career exploration courses, and participate in internships and other field experiences. Instruction in personal finance and use of technology are also integrated throughout the program.

Additionally, your child will have the option to take ELSA electives, beginning in their second year of study, pending necessary approvals.

• INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS

Your child will learn valuable strategies to enhance their skills in budgeting, menu preparation and cooking, shopping, use of public transportation, household management, personal care, and other functional life skills.

• SOCIAL & RECREATIONAL SKILLS

Students are part of the Elmhurst University community and can participate in a wide variety of clubs, organizations, and intramural sports on campus.

Volunteers from other programs at the University can assist as peer mentors, job and life coaches, community advisors and education coaches, to engage students in a range of planned activities and encourage peer interactions and social skills.

Want to learn more? Make sure to visit the ELSA page for more information HERE.

*This post has been sponsored by The Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy. All opinions are entirely my own.