Developmental Education

Feed Your Need to Read

This literacy-based class focuses on improving reading comprehension skills to unlock more of each student’s learning potential. The teacher guides students through group activities and individualized instruction to provide challenges and boost overall reading ability.

Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 10 to Nov. 19
(no class Nov. 5)
5 to 5:50 p.m.
LEISR-0070-400, $225
On campus in Glen Ellyn

DaniMation Introduction

This introductory animation class is designed for neurodiverse students. Discover the power of animation as a means of expression, communication and storytelling. Learn about techniques, tools and software used to create unique animated worlds, characters and narratives. Students may enroll in more than one session.

Monday, Oct. 14
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-100, $149
Virtual classroom

Monday, Oct. 21
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-101, $149
Virtual classroom

Monday, Oct. 28
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-102, $149
Virtual classroom

1:1 2D Animation Instruction

In this individualized course, a student receives the undivided attention of a DaniMation instructor and benefits from a customized curriculum designed to meet learning goals and interests. The session will cover the entire animation production process or focus on a specific topic, including animation principles, storyboarding, character design and more. This virtual course includes four hours of one-on-one instruction and will meet at a time and date arranged by the student and instructor. For registration information, contact Tracy Kline at (630) 942-3779.

LEISR-0070-103, $272
Virtual classroom

NEW COURSE: Cultures Around the World

Students learn about various countries of the world: geography, climate, population, government, holidays, flag, religion and traditions.

Friday, Sept. 13 to Nov. 15
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LEISR-0070-200, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Current Events

Students learn about and discuss the news as it happens from day to day. We hope to increase students’ understanding of global issues, economics and politics in relation to the United States and our world. Other related topics we hope to include are sports, humor and entertainment as they apply to our community.

Wednesday, Sept. 11 to Nov. 13
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-055, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Daily Communication

This course reviews basic concepts of communication. Students participate in role-playing activities to help develop the positive verbal and non-verbal skills and confidence needed to speak to others. Topics include beginning and ending a conversation, asking pertinent questions and appropriately participating in a conversation.

Monday, Sept. 9 to Nov. 11 
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-015, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Everyday Math

This class teaches students how to apply basic math skills to situations everyone encounters daily. Concepts covered are related to money, time, recipes and more.

Monday, Sept. 9 to Nov. 11
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. 
LEISR-0070-075, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Introduction to Babysitting

This course introduces students to best practices associated with being an effective babysitter. Topics include basic first aid and planning developmentally appropriate activities. Students will also learn basic emergency protocols. Necessary supplies will be provided in class.

Tuesday and Thursday, Oct. 15 and 17
10 a.m. to noon
LEISR-0070-090, $69
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Let’s Get Crafting

Students gain an introduction to loom knitting, crocheting and a variety of other craft projects. The class explores the basics of knitting, including casting on, binding off, using knit and purl stitches and reading basic knitting patterns. Students will receive a supply list prior to the start of class.

Wednesday, Sept. 11 to Nov. 13
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
LEISR-0070-030, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Nutrition and Health

Students explore the role of nutrition in their overall health. Topics include the importance of food choices, food shopping, basic kitchen methods and basic personal health care.

Wednesday, Sept. 11 to Nov. 13
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
LEISR-0070-050, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

The Creative You

This class brings out students’ creativity through the opportunity to create a variety of different crafts involving floral arrangements, decorative laminating and a terrarium. Supplies will be provided in class.

Friday, Sept. 13 to Nov. 15
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-095, $219
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Salad Prep Magic

Learn all about the Mason jar salad craze! Culinary expert Pamela Neuner demonstrates how to prepare a traditional Greek salad that can be kept in a Mason jar for weeks! Young adults and their parents are welcome to enroll in this class. Each student will take home one Mason jar salad.

Wednesday, Sept. 18
5:30 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-065, $49
Westmont Center, Room 22

Animal Care Skills

Our pets are like members of our family, and caring for them is important to keep them happy and healthy. We will discuss all kinds of companion animals and review common skills for animal care and animal-related careers.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Nov. 11 to 22
Noon to 1:50 p.m.
VOCSK-0071-001, $129
Carol Stream Center, Room 110

Computer Skills I

This class introduces computer technology and word processing. Instruction includes an overview of the basic parts of a computer, how to create and edit documents for business, and how to use the internet and email. Prerequisite: Keyboard Skills I or previous keyboard experience.

Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 17 to Nov. 12
(no class on Nov. 5)
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0021-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Employment Skills

This class provides an introduction to on-the-job skills. Topics include understanding standards of behavior; communication with employers, co-workers and public; and time management.

Monday and Wednesday, Sept. 16 to Nov. 6 
11:05 a.m. to 12:55 p.m.
VOCSK-0011-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Food Service Skills I

This course provides basic Information required for entry-level food service occupations. Topics include demonstration and hands-on learning related to basic sanitation, safe food handling, safety issues, basic food preparation and cooking.

Friday, Sept. 6 to Oct. 25
10:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0041-001, $349
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1022

General Office Skills I

This is an introduction to basic office tasks and the operation of office machines. Topics include filing, mailing, copying, faxing and time management skills.

Monday and Wednesday, Sept. 16 to Nov. 6 
4:30 to 6:20 p.m.
VOCSK-0025-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Hospitality Skills II

Students learn and apply the hospitality skills needed to work in dining and lodging establishments. Each session includes hands-on application at COD’s Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC). Students practice housekeeping skills in guest rooms of the on-campus boutique hotel, the Inn at Water’s Edge. In addition, students learn skills needed in the restaurant business through hands-on experiences in the Water Leaf Restaurant. Both housekeeping and dining-related skill sets are important for entry-level jobs in the hospitality industry.

Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 17 to Nov. 12
(no class on Nov. 5)
Noon to 1:50 p.m.
VOCSK-0051-001, $399
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC), Room 1020

Horticulture Series

Developmental Education students may take a series of four courses to develop entry-level skill sets that can be used in the horticulture industry. Students who complete all four courses will receive a certificate of completion:

• Horticulture Skills I or II
• Propagation Skills I
• Propagation Skills II
• Floral Design

Note: Course offerings vary each term.

NEW COURSE: Propagation Skills I

This class builds on the concepts covered in Horticulture I and Horticulture II with a focus on propagation. Students explore the propagation of plants by simple stem cuttings, leaves, seeds and roots. All plants grown will be documented and tracked to “market-ready” status. Entry-level skills required to work at a retail nursery or greenhouse will be covered. This class is one of four classes required to receive the Horticulture Skills Series certificate of completion. Recommended preparation: Horticulture Skills I or II

Tuesday and Thursday, Sept. 17 to Nov. 12
(no class on Nov. 5)
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0091-001, $299
Technology Education Center (TEC)