Ready For Life Academy
Calvin University, Grand Rapids, MI
Postsecondary Transition Program for People with Intellectual Disabilities Ages 18-26
PROGRAM FEATURES
- Four-year collegiate experience
- Community Living Support services for after school support, as requested
PLAN of STUDY TRACKS for RFLA @ Calvin University
Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Certificate
Students entering the program in the Fall 2022 semester will automatically be assigned to the Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Certificate program. This program requires the completion of all RFLA core courses, selected RFLA elective courses, and typically six credits from Calvin courses each semester. In addition, sudents must select one of seven concentrations: Arts and Music; Communication and Commerce; Creation Care; Education; Health, Wellness, and Recreation; Interdisciplinary; and Ministry and Human Services. Students will also be required to complete seven semesters of internships.
To successfully complete the Comprehensive Postsecondary Education Certificate students must earn 42-48 Calvin course credits. Of these Calvin credits, 21-27 must come from the modified core list and the remaining 21-24 credits are to be taken in the selected concentration. Students must also earn 48 RFLA credits at the time of program exit.
Below is a brief description of each concentration, sample courses, and possible internship placements.
Arts & Music
Concentration is for those interested in fine or performance arts, media and film production, graphic design, and/or music. Some courses in this concentration require an audition and have additional course fees.
- Required Courses
- ARTH 101 – Introduction to the History of Art I
- ARTS 153 – Visual Cultures
- Sample Elective Courses
- ARTS 250 – Introduction to Drawing
- ARTS 251 – Introduction to Painting
- ARTS 256 – Introduction to Photography
- COMM 190 – Media Production I
- CS 100 – Creating Interactive Web Media
- MUSC 103 – Understanding & Enjoying Music
- MUSC 182 – Gospel Choir
- THTR 203 – Performance Studies
- MUSC 236 – Music in Worship
- ARTS 305 – Graphic Design
- Possible Internship Placements
- Local art museums & displays, Covenant Fine Arts Center, Local art based non-profit organization, media lab.
Communication & Commerce
Concentration is for those interested in communication studies, including advocacy and media production; working in a business setting such as retail, food service; entrepreneurship; finance; or computer science.
- Required Courses
- COMM 101 – Oral Rhetoric
- Sample Elective Courses
- COMM 263 – Communication and Conflict Resolution
- CS 108 – Introduction to Computing
- COMM 141 – Visual Rhetoric
- COMM 265 – Leadership Communication for Organizations
- ENGL 101 – Written Rhetoric
- BUS 101 – Business Foundations
- FIN 201 – Personal Finance
- COMM 311 – Argumentation & Advocacy
- COMM 190 – Media Production I
- HE 254 – Nutrition
- Possible Internship Placements
- Local business or food service location, Peet’s Coffee, On-campus dining services, local non-profits focused on advocacy issues, computer, and media labs.
Creation Care
Concentration is for students interested in the sciences, animals, plants, environment, and/or history.
- Required Courses
- IDIS 107 – Introduction to Ecological and Environmental Professions
- ENST 210 – Human Impacts on Environemnt
- COMM 240 – Group Communication
- Sample Elective Courses
- ASTR 111 – The Solar System
- BIOL 115 – Human Biology
- GEO 200 – People, Place, and Community
- HIST 153 – Explorations in World History
- IDIS 160 – Energy: Resources, USE & Stewardship
- IDIS 240 – Introduction to Archeology
- PSYC 15 – Introduction to Psychology: Perspectives on the Self
- SOC 130 – Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- GEO 313 – Paleontology
- Possible Internship Placements
- Calvin Ecosystem Preserve & Native Gardens, pet daycare or boarding facility, local museums, greenhouses, landscaping companies
Education
Concentration for students interested in working with children of all different ages and in different capacities. Option to pursue classes specific to early childhood education.
- Sample Required Courses
- EDUC 102 – Introduction to Education
- EDUC 202 – The Learner in the Educational Context: Development & Diversity
- HE 203 – First Aid & Emergency Care
- IDIS 205 – Societal Structures & Education
- SOC 201 – The Family
- Sample Elective Courses
- EDUC 236 – The Young Child in the Educational Setting
- PSYC 201 – Developmental Psychology: The Lifespan
- COMM 214 – Creating Communication Arts in the Classroom
- EDUC 238 – Developmentally Appropriate Practice with Young Children
- KIN 223 – Movement and Health Education in the Elementary Classroom
- EDUC 339 – The Early Childhood Professional
- EDUC 306 – Introduction to Cognitive Impairment
- ENGL 325 – Advanced Studies in Children & Adolescent Literature
- PSYC 202 – Young Faith Development & Spiritual Formation
- Possible Internship Placements
- Childcare facility, school, Boys and Girls Club, church Children’s Ministry Team
Health, Wellness & Recreation
Concentration for students interested in working in areas of health, wellness, and recreation. Option to pursue classes specific to early childhood education.
- Sample Required Courses
- PSYC 151 – Introduction to Psychology: Perspectives on the Self
- IDIS 106 – Introduction to Health Professions
- Sample Elective Courses
- HE 203 – First Aid & Emergency Care
- COMM 263 – Communication & Conflict Resolution
- BIOL 115 – Human Biology
- KIN 223 – Movement and Health Education in the Elementary CLassroom
- RECR 304 – Management of Leisure Services
- Possible Internship Placements
- Student health center, medical facility, fitness center
Interdisciplinary
- Sample Required Courses
- COMM 141 – Visual Rhetoric
- CMS 252 – Introduction to Missions
- HIST 153 – Explorations in World History
- SOC 151 – Sociological Principles and Perspectives
- GEO 200 – People, Place, and Community
- MUSC 103 – Understanding & Enjoying Music
- Sample Elective Courses
- Electives of Choice
- Possible Internship Placements
- Retail, business offices, community-based service organizations
Ministry & Human Services
- Sample Required Courses
- SOWK 250 – Diversity & Inequality in the United States
- CMS 151 – Church & Society
- IDIS 192 – Crossing Cultures
- COMM 231 or SOC 231 – Intercultural Communication
- COMM 101 – Oral Rhetoric
- Sample Elective Courses
- SOWK 350 – Human Behavior and the Social Environment
- COMM 264 – Communication & Ministry Leadership
- REL 237 – Christian Worship
- PSYC 202 – Youth Faith Development and Spiritual Formation
- HE 203 – First Aid & Emergency Care
- SOC 151 – Sociological Principles & Perspectives
- PUBH 101 – Introduction to Public Health
- Possible Internship Placements
- Non-profit organizations, church programs, relief care agencies
PROGRAM COSTS based on 2022-23 Academic School Year
| Tuition | $18,987 | /year |
| Room & Board | 11,150 | /year (assumes Double Occupancy and includes 19 meals per week) |
| Wellness Fee | 250 | /year |
| Books | 300 | /year |
| Spending Money | 450 | /year (assumes $15 per week) |
| Community Living Support | 3,570 | /year (assumes 7 hours/week at $17/week, can be paid by community Mental Health) |
| ————- | ||
| Total | $34,707 | /year |
CAMPUS ACTIVITIES
As much as we all prioritize academics, a major reason to attend a post-secondary transition program on a college campus is to have students participate in the many activities offered by the school. See link below for student opportunities offered at Calvin University.
You won’t be bored here, that’s for sure. At Calvin, you can live a big life and dive into lots of experiences. Challenge yourself with a leadership, join a student club that interests you, be active in an intramural sport, or express yoursel creatively with friends. “Calvin has a …
Please contact us at info@rflnetwork or 616-248-3775 for more information!