About the Program

General Information

  • The Transition to Independent Living Program (TIL) is a post-secondary educational experience for adults having developmental/intellectual disabilities. The program provides instruction, training, and support on a community college campus. The program is comprehensive, with curriculum and training that promotes 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 – a student’s TC/TIL classes may begin at 8 – 11 a.m. TC/TIL classes may end at 5 – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend Support Staff are present from 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. The program is staffed seven days a week.
  • Students are responsible for paying a dorm rental fee which includes meals served in the Taft College cafeteria and all utilities except telephone. Each dorm room is supplied with a full extra long bed, a closet, a dresser, storage area, and a desk. Students are encouraged to decorate their rooms for comfort and style.
  • Upon admission to the TIL Program, the student moves into a residence hall and begins instruction. The students participate in the program an average of 22 months. The program runs from August 1 through June 30.
  • Staff works with each student to establish realistic short-and long-term goals. Individual Program Plans (IPP’s) are then written to assist students in attaining these goals.
  • Students are eligible for graduation when they complete the required course work and independently demonstrate the learned skills. At that time, the transition team staff assists graduates in transitioning into an independent living situation in their home community. The TIL program tracks graduates for a 10 year period to assess student outcomes.

Touring

  • It’s a great idea to schedule a tour to come and see the Transition to Independent Living program in action. A tour will give an applicant a better feel for whether or not they want to apply. It also provides them with background information for that first interview should they be interested/accepted to interview.
  • We would also like to invite Regional Center Service Coordinators and other para-professionals to schedule an informational tour.
  • Intake schedules tours on Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:30 by appointment, you may  schedule a tour through Jessica White at: 661 763-7775 or use this form. When you arrive for a tour, park in the parking lot and check in at the Center for Independent Living building.

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