Programs
Mychal’s Learning Place is committed to the belief that children with Developmental Disabilities are valuable contributors to our community and as such should be provided with opportunities that encourage them to reach their full potential. Our mission is to assist these children in building self-esteem and increase independence through goal oriented activities.
Below are the types of activities used by Mychal's Learning Place, click on each of the activities to learn more about them:
Bowling | Sports Activities | Independent Living Skills | Karate
Music & Dance and Movement | Gardening
MILE Program (Mychal's Independent Living Experience) Pilot Program
We are very excited to announce the start of the MILE program; Friday, September 12, 2008. This pilot program is from Friday 5pm - Sunday 5Pm, 2 weekends a month for 10 months. The 4 participants of the MILE program will be taught the skills neccesary to live independently. The weekend will include, meal planning and preparation, food shopping, budgeting, public transportation, personal hygiene, laundry, vocational and volunteer opportunities and many other vital skills for needed to live independently. The follow up at home is key to the success of this program. For more information please contact us at 310-297-9333 or email us at info@mychals.org.
| Bowling |
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The bowling program is very popular with the children because they are all able to participate independently, some with minor assistance. We use bumpers on the lanes and for the children who require it we use a ball ramp, this ensures that all the children will succeed. Some of the children will be able with continued practice to bowl without the use of bumpers. Bowling is also an activity that the children are able to participate in with their local Special Olympics organization. Some of the children love bowling so much and have their own bowling balls, bags and shoes which brings a whole new element to the program.
• Follow rules and turn taking
• Build independence and self-esteem
• Encourage social interaction with peers
• Encouraging their friends to succeed
• Care for personal property |
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| Sports Activities |
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We offer a variety of sports programs like basketball, soccer, baseball, bowling, karate. All of these programs provide unlimited benefits to the participants.
Many of these sports programs are part of Special Olympics, AYSO soccer and Challenger League which provide many opportunities for children with developmental disabilities.
• Strength
• Balance and coordination
• Fine and Gross motor skills
• Sportsmanship
• Teamwork
• Socialization |
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| Independent Living Skills |
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The independent living skills program will give the children the skills needed to achieve more independence. We have a variety of programs which we work on with the children on a monthly basis, which include:
• Cooking
• Safety and Sign recognition
• Money, Time
• Shopping
• Personal Hygiene
• Social interaction and role-playing |
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| Karate |
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When we first introduced the karate program one of our main goals was to give the children tools to use which would allow them to protect themselves. It has turned into much more and continues to grow. All the children enjoy the Karate program and there are many benefits:
• Teach courtesy and respect for their fellow students, teachers and their environment
• Build strength, balance, coordination
• Improved focus and concentration
• Appropriate social interaction with peers
• Confidence and self-esteem builder
• Develop self-defense skills |
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| Music & Dance and Movement |
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The music and dance and movement programs are two of the favorite programs for children and staff. The Music and Dance and Movement programs work on developing a child’s self-awareness, confidence and social behavior. They observe a child’s behavior and interactions and assess communication, cognitive/academic, motor social/emotional as well as musical and dance skills.
Music and Dance and Movement provides opportunities to explore personal feelings and therapeutic issues such as:
• Self-esteem or personal insight
• Enhanced awareness of self and environment
• Express oneself verbally and non-verbally
• Develop coping and relaxation skills
• Interact socially with others
• Develop independence and decision making skills
• Improve concentration and attention span
• Support happy feelings and thoughts
• Adopt positive forms of behavior |
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Gardening
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The children enjoy the gardening program, though it is a small garden and planters, the children get dirty while beautifying our site. We also get to give back to St. Joseph's, who are such gracious hosts.
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