Life skills program

Functional life skills are the variety of skills which are frequently required in domestic, vocational and community environments.

Children with disability are more likely to need extra support in everyday activities – they need opportunities to practise, learn and develop skills we often take for granted.

The Life Skills Program at Leda ESC blends academic, daily living and personal and social skills into integrated lessons designed to help our students learn to function independently in society. The program also teaches reflective skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, self awareness and interpersonal skills.

At Leda Education Support Centre we believe that a successful Life Skills Program should include the following key qualities:

Meaningful tasks performed within the context of a real activity;

The skill will be needed throughout the student’s life; Activities serve a purpose; and If the student is unable to perform the skill themselves, it

would need to be completed by another person.

Our Community Access Program is a component of our Life Skills Program and assists students to achieve their expressed goals, increase independence and become a valued, participating member of the community. The programs create opportunities for recreation while enhancing sociability and increasing life skills. Experienced staff members support students to participate in activities, assist with travel and all other aspects of community access. The programs are carefully planned and are chosen to promote skills such as choice, interaction, socialisation, accompanied travel, responsible citizenship, basic etiquette and basic personal hygiene.

Managing finances

Count money & make correct change Make responsible expenditures Pay for goods & services Differentiate between a ‘want’ and a ‘need’

Managing a household

Perform housekeeping tasks Plan and prepare meals Identify healthy food choices

Daily Living Skills

Caring for personal needs

Exhibit proper grooming & hygeine Dress appropriately Demonstrate knowledge of common illnesses,

prevention & treatment Maintain physical fitness, nutrition & weight

Safety awareness

Protective Behaviours Identify safety signs Identify unfamiliar odours Identify unfamiliar sounds Obey safety rules when walking by the road

Preparing and consuming food

Purchase food and plan meals Clean food preparation area Store food properly Prepare meals, read labels & follow recipes Demonstrate appropriate eating habits Plan and eat balanced meals

Buying & caring for clothing

Wash, hang and fold clothing Purchase clothing: demonstrate knowledge of prices &

sizes Identify clothing to suit the season

Using recreational facilities & engage in leisure activities

Choose and plan activities Demonstrate knowledge of the value of recreation Engage in group & individual activities Plan a social event Engage in hobbies, sports, music, arts & crafts

Maintain good interpersonal skills

Demonstrate listening & responding Make & keep friendships Interact with community members appropriately

Achieving independence

Do things without help Accept responsibility for actions Get around the community and be able to

travel Cope with being lost Follow travel safety procedures

Achieving problem solving skills

Seek assistance when needed Anticipate consequences

Staff at Leda Education Support Centre engage with parents, caregivers and therapists to develop Individual Education Plans that incorporate a range of developmentally appropriate daily living skills for each child.

Using a range of strategies, often incorporating visual, verbal and gestural cues, we support and mentor students to achieve positive outcomes.

We focus on providing the skills that each child requires to become independent, active participants in their community.