Programs

Program Description

The Garfield Skills Center (GSC) is a school that emphasizes soft skills curriculum, daily living skills, career awareness, and work experience.   The program provides full day educational programs for post-secondary students with disabilities to the age of twenty-six.  It is available to students living within the school districts served by the Western Wayne Region and meet the eligibility criteria to attend the Garfield Skills Center.  Transportation for students attending the Western Wayne Skill Center is arranged and provided by the resident school district.

The major emphasis of the program is on daily living and employability skills rather than specific technical training.  Classes are designed to be as close to an actual work setting as possible; many are actually out in a community setting, or have a community component for the class. Functional skills are emphasized.  The functional academic approach is demonstration and "hands-on" whenever possible.  The school is designed to be a transition program for independent living,  rather than a pure academic school.

Special education work experiences and career awareness are provided through a number of  classroom and community experiences.

There are numerous ways parents may get involved such as attending Individual Education Program Team Meetings, Parent Conferences, Annual Open House, County PAC Meetings, and Arc Workshops.

The Garfield Skills Center is funded through Wayne County via the Wayne County Regional Educational Service Agency.  The school program is administered through Livonia Public Schools. Our staff  includes highly qualified teachers, highly skilled paraprofessionals, licensed educational support staff (occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, psychologist, social worker) and specialized office staff.