Professional Assistant Center for Education (PACE)
Founded in 1986, the Professional Assistant Center for Education (PACE) is a two-year, post secondary certificate program for young adults with learning and other disabilities. The Program is especially designed to meet the transitional needs of students with multiple learning disabilities in a university setting. The Program commits to educating the whole person, preparing young adults for independent living by integrating instruction in four areas:
The instructional approach at PACE integrates both group and individual teaching across all areas of the students’ lives. Drawing from the work of Israeli Professor Reuven Feuerstein and others, instruction is based on the observation that students learn best when actively involved in the process, when teaching is linked directly to events and activities, goals and aspirations in their lives.
Academics
PACE students attend classes two days a week in an undergraduate university environment. Teaching and learning in a formal classroom are designed to provide content, promote critical thinking skills in a structured environment and challenge students at all levels in courses that are rigorous, but manageable. PACE students earn twelve credits during their two year program. Three hours of additional credit are offered in coursework to enhance employability in specific fields.
Career Preparation
As professional assistants in training, the PACE students set goals, develop an understanding of their field of interest and over time, find employment in positions that benefit from their skill development and practice. Vocational training includes classroom studies as well as more than 1,000 hours of actual work experience, preparing for careers in adult care, early childhood, food service, general office, supply and distribution, housekeeping, animal care, health care or hospitality. The program operates from a base of more than 50 veteran career partners and continually recruits new contacts.
Life Skills Instruction
The four main areas of instrucion in life skills are money management, time management, organization and personal care. Life skills instructors work on a range of skills from basic to advanced through a combination of goal setting and weekly individual and small group instruction.
Socialization
Preparing students for adult life includes appropriate social skills. Living in the University residence hall and interacting with peers gives students experience in building friendships and relationships. Working as interns provides additional opportunities for social interactions with co-workers and supervisors. In class, students learn the theory of relationships and the skills involved in becoming socially competent.
Participation in planned activities strengthens and encourages this competency.
NCE undergraduate and graduate students are welcome to observe and volunteer at PACE as part of the clinical experiences required for certain courses.
Extended Programming
PACE TRANSITION PROGRAM – This option is designed for graduates of the PACE Program to practice their independent living skills upon graduation from the program. Students have the opportunity to remain in a familiar environment among their friends and continue to receive instruction at the next level of independence – apartment living, seeking and maintaining jobs, weekly seminar class and social/community living. Students receive three hours of credit for their first year in the Transition program. Students may remain in this program for up to three years with decreasing services as their independent skills increase.
PASS-AGES Program – This is an Illinois State approved transition option for 5th and 6th year local high school students. PASS-AGES is a day program immersing students in college life and introductory curriculum drawn from the PACE Program. During the course of an academic year students are assisted in making realistic choices about future postsecondary training options, including the possibility of acceptance in the PACE Program.
DUAL ENROLLMENT – A newer option for PACE students who are “college able” is enrollment in National Louis University College of Arts and Sciences and the PACE Program. This allows students, especially those diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome and nonverbal learning disabilities, the opportunity to participate in regular college classes and degree options in addition to full access to the PACE Program curriculum in life skills, socialization/community, classes and career preparation.