Vocational Programs

One of our young people working at The Adult Day Care says, "I love when I can make them smile."

The vocational component at The Learning Center has been expanded and aligned with the philosophy of PBS (Positive Behavioral Support). Our vocational opportunities include culinary arts and community service activities such as volunteering at several non-profit organizations in the community, including the local soup kitchen, participating in a small engine class, and working in the greenhouse, dining hall and school store on campus. Our work study component allows students to gain valuable employment experience both on the grounds of The Children’s Home and in the community while earning Vocational credits.

Summer Work Program 2011 

The Summer Work Program began on July 5th and runs through August 14th, 2011.  The classroom time between 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. has been filled with real life activities of budgeting, finding an apartment, tax information, banking, reading contracts, filling out applications, reading classified ads, business letters, parts of resumes, and applying for a job over the telephone.  On July 21st, the students were brought to the Seasons Credit Union to open savings accounts.  Prior to opening the accounts they were responsible for obtaining picture identifications. The students were able to work at the following sites around the Cromwell area:
Saint Vincent DePaul Soup Kitchen, Middletown –The participants that are employed here are in charge of serving food, cleaning the dining room and putting away the necessary utensils.  Their responses to this work have been a lesson learned that there are people out there who are less fortunate than them.  They enjoyed the opportunity to help at this organization and give back to the community.
Adult Day Care, Middletown – These participants have been extremely invested in all aspects of this program.   They have enjoyed working with many of the residents especially one of the residents who was Vision Impaired.  Through their persistence they were able to involve this resident in activities that helped her become more engaged with the people around her.   They often facilitated coloring and painting groups for few members.  Both students have enjoyed this assignment.  This site has been used for the last 4years and will continue assisting us by placing students.
Goodwill, Middletown –The participants employed here are responsible for the sorting and displaying of donations for purchase and are responsible for minor custodial jobs. This has afforded students the opportunity to help out a great organization.
Children’s Home, Cromwell–This participant was assigned many duties consisting of helping our kitchen staff, sorting and delivering mail and is charge of the campus soda machine and purchasing the product to be sold. This participant has gained many worthwhile experiences.
Restore Store, Middletown – This participant has been extremely invested in all aspects of this program. His job responsibilities have maintaining and upkeep of the front foyer, some custodial duties and making inventory ready for sale. This student has learned about the importance of volunteering and assisting in the community.