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New Perspectives - Apr,
1995 Issue #33
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PACE PROGRAM
located at: National-Louis University
Evanston, Illinois
Carol J. Burns, M.Ed., Asst. Dir.
708-256-5150
The Professional Assistant Center for Education (PACE) is a special non-credit, non-degree
two year post-secondary program for learning disabled young adults (18-30). The program is designed to prepare these young adults
to work as preschool teacher aides or as aides in human service programs. In addition to its focus on career preparation the program
is also designed to develop social and independent living skills. The attempt is to help the student become an independent adult capable
of functioning in the mainstream of society.
The program is based on four beliefs regarding their student program:
1.) We believe that our students have more ability than they have been given credit
for in the past.
2.) ...to the maximum extent possible, the activities of the program must be carried
out in age appropriate regular environments. For this reason the program is situated on a regular college campus and our students
live in regular college residence halls. Students also participate in on-going college activities.
3.) ...our students need to develop problem solving skills. If they are to live independently
the students will need to be able to use their own resources to deal with life's problems.
4.) ...the jobs for which we prepare students, early childhood and human services,
are uniquely appropriate. The students have much to offer: warmth, concern for people, and desire to be successful in a career.
The admission criteria are:
l.) Completion of a high school program.
2.) Learning problems that have interfered with schooling.
3.) High probability of difficulty with a four year college curriculum.
4.) Chronological age approximately 18-30 upon admission.
5.) Sufficient emotional stability to adjust to all aspects of the program, including
an ability to be in harmony with children and adults in the field placement laboratory.
6.) Individuals who are able to partake in most physical activities.
7.) A positive interest in working in either preschools or human service agencies.
Financial aid is possible including Pell Grants, Vocational Rehabilitation assistance from
the various states, and Guaranteed Student Loans.
Copyright © 1995, Woodbury Reports, Inc. (This article may be reproduced
without prior approval if the copyright notice and proper publication and author attribution accompanies the copy.)
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