About the Program

Students increase their independence by practicing daily living skills in and outside the classroom.

Functional Math: Students practice budgeting, shopping, cooking and measuring, reading a clock, understanding elapsed time and time management.

Functional Reading: Students fill out job applications. They also practice reading menus, food labels, instructions, schedules, and calendars. Students are also exposed to novels related to pop culture.

Elective: Students participate in elective activities in computer literacy, social skills, nutrition, geography, science and art. The UNIQUE curriculum and News 2 You are also utilized to teach life skills and current events.

Community Outings: Students learn about recreational activities, shopping, and eating out.

Communication: Students practice socializing with staff and peers, people in the community, and their employers. They also learn about self-advocacy, decision making, and problem solving during weekly Social Emotional Learning TEAMS meetings.

Students experience a variety of job training opportunities in and outside of the classroom.

Work Based Learning (WBL): UCNECT students practice a variety of job skills through education/training and working with local businesses. Students are supported by a job coach and other employees when working in the community.

In-house Production: Students gain job skills in the school setting working on job tasks such as shredding, recycling, cleaning and stocking the Coffee Café. Students also complete production tasks for local businesses.

PAES (Practical Assessment Exploration System) Lab: This lab offers over 246 entry-level job tasks. The PAES lab is used assess a student's competitive work potential and interest level, while simultaneously exploring various jobs, using real tools, and developing proper work behaviors in a variety of work areas.

Students explore the local community.

Recreation: Students take walks at local parks and malls, go bowling, and visit places like the Sterling Heights Recreation Center and library. Students are encouraged to participate in local community events or organized sports offered by the City of Sterling Heights or Shelby Twp.

Shopping: Students "shop" at many different stores in the community.  They grocery shop for lunch ingredients or food for social events.  Students do brand and cost comparisons, practice budgeting or make price estimates.

Restaurants: Students learn to understand menu options, practice ordering, paying, and calculating tax/tip. Students also practice social skills in a real restaurant setting. 

Socialization: Students practice interacting with peers, establishment employees, and others while in the community.

Community Service: Many students participate in Aktion Club (part of Kiwanis) or volunteer at the Humane Society or Heritage Church Food Pantry.