Developmental Education

Students are guided through group activities and individualized instruction to boost overall reading abilities. Literacy-focused instruction provides challenges and unlocks more of each student’s learning potential.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 2 to April 15 (no class March 30 or April 1)
5 to 5:50 p.m.
LEISR-0070-400, $225

Breathwork and Self-Regulation Techniques

Learn how to self-regulate through a variety of breathing patterns. Benefits include reducing anxiety and improving focus and sleep. Additional self- regulating techniques such as journaling, meditation and visualization will be introduced.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 2 to March 4
10 to 11:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-067, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is a basic skill for everyday living. Each day we are faced with a variety of simple and complex problems. Practice solving problems by matching them with appropriate solutions.

Fridays, Feb. 5 to April 16 (no class April 2)
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-080, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Digital Literacy 

This course covers online safety, digital citizenship, research skills, artificial intelligence and basic tech skills to help navigate the digital world. Students learn to stay connected, contribute to their community, and succeed both personally and professionally.

Tuesdays, Feb. 2 to April 13 (no class March 30)
9 to 10:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-204, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Enhancing Language

Enrich and expand existing language skills through activities emphasizing communicative interaction and experience-based language. Verbalizing words and ideas in meaningful contexts encourages content retention and facilitates individual learning.

Mondays, Feb. 1 to April 12 (no class March 29)
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-020, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Film as Literature

Learn how to read, discuss, empathize, and compare stories when told via film versus a novel. Films include “The Wizard of Oz,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “The Secret Garden,” “Harry Potter,” “The Shack” and “Stand by Me.”

Thursdays, Feb. 4 to April 15, (no class April 1)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-072, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Introductory American Sign Language

This engaging course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL). Develop basic communication skills in ASL through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and real-life scenarios.

Mondays, Feb. 1 to April 19 (no class Feb. 22 and March 29)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-068, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Explore the fun and creative world of AI. Learn what AI is, how it helps in daily life, and try simple tools for making art, music, stories and more in a safe and engaging way.

Tuesdays, Feb. 2 to April 13 (no class March 30)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-205, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Money Management

Gain a basic understanding of how to manage money. Topics include cash, ATMs, credit and debit cards, shopping, budgeting, and avoiding debt. Develop a simple budget that addresses basic expenditures, savings, and discretionary spending.

Fridays, Feb. 5 to April 16 (no class April 2)
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
LEISR-0070-050, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Narrative Reading and Writing

Using stories selected from “Chicken Soup for the Soul” texts, based on student-specific interests, learn how to read, discuss and empathize with the scenario proposed. They will then use this knowledge to reflect on, share and write their own narratives in a safe, supportive environment.

Tuesdays, Feb. 2 to April 13 (no class March 30)

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

LEISR-0070-071, $199

On campus in Glen Ellyn

Practical Health

Explore practical health information needed to navigate the adult world. Discuss common social and real-life scenarios that adults encounter. The class is divided into six sections: body awareness, medicine, first aid, nutrition, social awareness, and other practical matters.

Fridays, Feb. 5 to April 16 (no class April 2)
11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
LEISR-0070-040, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Sitcoms: Characters and Connections

Watch scenes from popular sitcoms and talk about relationships, communication, choices, and everyday situations. Build social awareness, communication, problem-solving, and relationship skills while exploring how characters handle real-life challenges.

Tuesdays, Feb. 2 to April 13 (no class March 30)
9 to 10:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-074, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Spring Into Musicals

This class will use classic popular musicals to allow for social connection, improve communication skills and connect with emotional understanding. Sensory-friendly experiences including listening to and reading lyrics from songs will help students explore themes such as kindness, generosity, friendship, love, and family.

Thursdays, Feb. 4 to April 15 (no class April 1)
9 to 10:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-088, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Time Management

Complete activities that encourage personal organization as it relates to calendars, schedules, telling time, and using time in everyday situations.

Wednesdays, Feb. 3 to April 14 (no class March 31)
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-025, $199
On campus in Glen Ellyn

1:1 2D Animation Instruction

A DaniMation instructor provides individualized animation instruction in a one-on-one (1:1) session designed to meet the student’s learning needs and interests. Four hours of instruction take place at a time and date arranged by student and instructor. Contact Continuing Education registration at (630) 942-2208 for more information.

LEISR-0070-103, $272
Virtual classroom

DaniMation Introduction

Neurodiverse students discover the power of animation as a means of expression, communication and storytelling. Introductory topics include techniques, tools and software used to create unique animated worlds. Students may enroll in more than one session. Sessions are held virtually.

Monday, Oct. 26
6 to 8 p.m.
LEISR-0070-102, $149

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.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Nov. 3 to Nov. 19
Noon to 1:50 p.m. 
VOCSK-0071-001, $119
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Computer Skills II

Continue exploring topics related to word processing, text editing, margins, text alignment, tabs, bullet lists, envelopes and labels. Recommended preparation: Computer Skills I

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 16 to April 15 (no class on March 30 and April 1)
12 to 1:50 p.m.
VOCSK-0022-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Floral Design Skills

Discover basic skills used by florist shop employees. Explore floral preparation, cutting, care, and preservation. Learn to identify types of flowers and foliage used in floral arrangement and designs. Take home floral projects of your own. This is one of four classes needed to attain the Horticulture Skills Series certificate of completion.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, April 13 to May 13
9 to 11:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0021-003, $379
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Food Service Skills II

Gain basic to intermediate skills used in food service occupations, including safe food handling, food preparation and cooking. Students must be able to independently perform basic kitchen tasks. Recommended preparation: Food Service Skills I. This is one of four classes required to receive the Hospitality Skills Series certificate of completion.

Fridays, Feb. 5 to April 9 (no class Feb. 26 and April 2)
10:30 a.m. to 1:50 p.m.
VOCSK-0042-001, $349
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

General Office Skills II

Learn basic office tasks and the operation of office machines. Topics include filing, mailing, copying, faxing, and time management skills. Recommended preparation: General Office Skills I

Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 15 to April 14 (no class March 29 and 31)
3:30 to 5:20 p.m.
VOCSK-0025-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Horticulture Skills I

Explore the propagation, growth, and care of spring/summer plants in the greenhouse. Work with annuals, perennials, houseplants, natives, and vegetables. Propagate plants to bring home. This is one of four classes required to receive the Horticulture Skills Series certificate of completion.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 2 to March 25
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0061-002, $399
Technical Education Center (TEC)

Hospitality Skills III

This course focuses specifically on restaurant service, covering basic server skills, including setting a proper table and delivering food to tables. The information and skills learned will be applied by assisting the COD culinary team and serving guests in the Waterleaf Restaurant on campus. This is one of four classes required to receive the Hospitality Skills Series certificate of completion.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 2 to March 25
12 to 1:50 p.m.
VOCSK-0051-003, $399
Culinary & Hospitality Center (CHC)

Keyboarding and Business Communication Skills I

Learn computer keyboard and typing basics and how to apply these skills in order to write effective business letters, emails and other forms of business communication.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 16 to April 15 (no class March 30 and April 1)
9 to 10:50 a.m.
VOCSK-0023-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn

Workplace Communication Skills I

Practice essential workplace communication skills useful for speaking with employers, coworkers, and the public.

Mondays and Wednesdays, Feb. 15 to April 14 (no class March 29 and 31)
11:05 a.m. to 12:55 p.m.
VOCSK-0013-001, $299
On campus in Glen Ellyn 

Developmental Education students may take a series of four courses to develop practical, entry-level skill sets that can be used in a specific industry. Students who complete this four-course series will receive a certificate of completion.

Horticulture Series

• Horticulture Skills I or II

• Propagation Skills I

• Propagation Skills II

• Floral Design Skills

New scholarship: Horticulture

Students in financial need who are interested in taking Developmental Education horticulture courses, may now apply for special scholarship funding. Please contact VocSkills@cod.edu for more information.

Hospitality Series

• Hospitality Skills I

• Hospitality Skills II or III

• Food Service Skills I

• Food Service Skills II

Course offerings may vary each term.

Breathwork and Self-Regulation Techniques

Learn how to self-regulate through a variety of breathing patterns. Benefits include reducing anxiety and improving focus and sleep. Additional self-regulating techniques such as journaling, meditation, and visualization will be introduced.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, Feb. 2 to March 4
1 to 2:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-070. $199
Naperville Center location

Design Your Own Greeting Cards

Using photos and scrapbooking materials, students will learn different approaches to creating greeting cards. Class time will be utilized for creativity and the crafting of the greeting cards. Materials will be supplied in class.

Wednesdays, Feb. 3 to April 14 (no class March 31)
12 to 1:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-111, $219
Naperville Center location

Introductory American Sign Language

This engaging course is designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of American Sign Language (ASL). Develop basic communication skills in ASL through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and real-life scenarios.

Thursdays, Feb. 4 to April 22 (no class Feb. 18 and April 1)
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
LEISR-0070-069. $199
Naperville Center location

Sitcoms: Characters and Connections

Watch scenes from popular sitcoms and talk about relationships, communication, choices, and everyday situations. Build social awareness, communication, problem-solving, and relationship skills while exploring how characters handle real-life challenges.

Wednesdays, Feb. 3 to April 14 (no class March 31)
10 to 11:30 a.m.
LEISR-0070-076. $199
Naperville Center location