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Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program

Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program
Taft College
Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program
29 Cougar Court
Taft, CA 92368
icon name
Program Contact Aaron Markovits
Program Contact Email amarkovits@taftcollege.edu
Phone 6617637773
Website Program website
Facebook link to program Facebook page

The Transition to Independent Living Program (TIL) is a post-secondary educational experience for adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities. The program provides instruction, training, and support on a community college campus. The curriculum is comprehensive and promotes the acquisition of the functional, social, and career skills necessary for students to live a productive and normalized lifestyle. The program occupies 32 dorms at the (CIL) Center for Independent Living, (one of three residence halls on the Taft Community College campus) and several one-to-four-bedroom homes in the community. TIL began in August 1995, with funding from Kern Regional Center. The college serves as the sponsoring agency. TC has offered programs and special classes serving individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities since 1976. Staff for the TIL program include administrative, certificated, and classified staff. The program maintains a staff ratio of 3:1. Instructional hours may vary, depending on the student’s schedule, and occur between 8 am and 9 pm Monday-Friday. Weekend Support Staff are present from 8:00 a.m. – 9 p.m. The program is staffed seven days a week. Upon admission to the TIL Program, the student enters a residence hall and begins instruction. The students participate in the program for 22 months. The program runs from August through June.

Program information submitted: January 26, 2024

General
Public or private: Public
Type of school: 2-year community college or junior college
Is this program a federally funded TPSID program? No
Number of students: 32
Affiliates
School district or agency partner: West Kern Community College District (WKCCD)
Contact person: Aaron Markovits
Email: amarkovits@taftcollege.edu
Requirements
Program serves students who have left high school? Yes, all of our students have left high school
Regular high school diploma required? No, an IEP/non-standard diploma/certificate of attendance is accepted
Criteria for admission
  • Student must be 18 or older
Accepts out-of-state students? Yes
Please indicate which disabilities students in this program have:
  • Intellectual disability
  • Autism
  • Developmental Disabilities
Planned program length 2 years
Acceptance, Retention, and Completion Rates
Acceptance rate for the most recent fall term: 60.00%
Retention rate for first year students from the previous academic year to the current one: 75.00%
Cost
Average student tuition and fees for the current school year: $322.00
Average out-of-state tuition, current year: $0.00
Room and board: $9838.00
Program fees: $4547.00
Is this program able to provide federal financial aid as a Comprehensive Transition Program (CTP)? We are not a CTP, and have no plans to become one.
Students pay for the program in the following ways:
  • Private pay (student and family)
  • Scholarships
  • Adult intellectual/developmental disability state agency funds
  • Grant Funding
Scholarships available: Student are eligible to apply for and receive the TIL Scholarship. If awarded it covers the program specific fees.
Academic
Students enrolled in this program take the following types of inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): Typical college courses for credit
More about course access: All first year students enrolled in inclusive college classes for credit. Classes included Student Success of Surviving College and Career Exploration. Students also took Business Management Classes. Other classes taken by students include Physical Education, Computer Information Systems, Drama, Art, Disability Services and History.
Students take courses that are only for students in this program: Yes
Information on special classes: All students participated in the Transition to Independent Living Program Academic Seminars on topics of Career and Community Services, Interpersonal Relationships, Meal Prep, Personal Advocacy, and Personal Finance.
Percentage of academic time spent in inclusive courses (with students who don't have disabilities): 25-49%
Do all students in this program enroll in at least one inclusive college/university course for credit or audit each semester? No
Credential(s) students earn upon completing the program: Local Certificate of Independent Living awarded by the Program. Students may also earn Local Certificate in Business Management: Customer Service. None were awarded in 22-23. Students did take classes towards this Certificate, however.
Is the credential approved by the college/university? Awarded by program, not officially recognized by the IHE
Other than the credential listed above, can students earn any other credentials that are available to all students? Business Management, Early Childhood Education, Welding are some Certificates available.
Students in the program have access to the following campus-wide services:
  • Career services
  • Disability/accessibility services
  • Academic tutoring services
  • Health services
  • Mental health/counseling services
  • Access to a transcript via the registrar
  • Academic advising services (not program staff)
Employment
Percent of students in this program have paid work while attending the program: 100%
Other career development activities are:
  • None
Percent of students in this program that had paid work after exiting the program: 10%
Additional information about career development and work experience: All students participate in a paid internship that aligns with their stated vocational goals.
Does this program have a working partnership with VR to provide funding, supports and/or services to students in the program? Yes
Housing
Housing is provided to students: Yes
Housing options available:
  • Specialized on campus
  • Specialized off campus
Extracurricular
Students participate in student organizations on campus: Yes
Percentage of social time spent in inclusive activities (open to all students on campus): 25-49%
Students may participate in the following extra-curricular activities
  • Registered student organizations
  • Student government
  • Campus events
Students participate in these campus-wide events: College/University's Graduation