This class is an independent living simulation “real life” which takes the independent living skills learned previously in prerequisite course material and put them into action.  Students are assigned a roommate and learn the advantages and disadvantages.  Curriculum covered during the this course include: apartment/independent living application processes, damage deposits, move in check list, signing a lease, ending a lease early and cost involved with moving.  Student’s grocery shop and prepare meal plans from a prerequisite class working within a daily budget.  Students demonstrate the skills needed and complete basic housekeeping and maintenance skills that are completed daily, weekly, monthly and yearly.  Students also learn how to respond to emergency situations.

Students will learn basic banking vocabulary and complete a six-month checking simulation.  The checking simulation includes writing checks, completing deposit slips, entering information in the check register, keeping accurate balances, finding and locating errors, and balancing register with statement.  Students also learn about debit cards and ATM cards as well as how to use them safely.

Learn various aspects of getting and managing credit, using credit cards and debit cards responsibly, identity theft, and being wise consumers. Learn about the importance of having appropriate insurance coverage, insurance vocabulary, and various types of insurance and their benefits.  Other current consumer economic topics may be covered.

Students develop skills to locate informational resources for accessing the community safely.  Resources include the Internet, white and yellow pages, directories, and map reading. Students learn strategies to be a safe and how to protect themselves at home and in the community.  Students discover the importance of carrying personal identification; emergency information, telephone numbers and having a small amount of cash when out in the community.  Community destinations will include a county service center, library, bookstore, mall and other shopping areas, post office and other places of class interest.

Course Description
Through the instruction of soft skills associated with employment, students will gain an understanding of job management skills and building employee/employer relationships. Students will increase their understanding of workplace protocols and expectations, as well as ethical conduct, including social media. Students will also become aware of the evaluation process of job performance and the effective strategies for conflict resolution, problem solving, and resigning from a job.