Approach to Skill Training

Welcome to the Center for Learning and Development (CLD)

Living independently requires a range of essential skills. Some, like eating, recognizing faces, or basic reflexes, come naturally. Others—such as managing money, communicating effectively, making decisions, or organizing daily life—are learned through experience and effort.

At CLD, we focus on helping individuals acquire and strengthen these learned skills to live more independent and fulfilling lives. We are not just a safe space to pass the time; we are a results-driven organization committed to measurable growth. Our programs are designed for clients who are ready to take actionable steps toward greater self-sufficiency, one skill at a time. We use a person-centered approach to customize the learning to the needs and capabilities of each client.

We understand that living independently is complex. It involves mastering a multitude of skills over time. Our approach breaks these challenges into manageable dimensions and building blocks. By focusing on one set of skills at a time, we guide clients to build competency systematically, ensuring meaningful, lasting progress.

What Does a Person-Centered Process Mean at CLD?

At the Center for Learning and Development (CLD), we don’t just claim to be person-centered—we define it and put it into practice. For us, a person-centered process starts with truly understanding the individual. This means discovering who they are, what they know, and where they stand in their journey toward independence.

Our detailed assessment process uses tools like the Assessment of Functional Living Skills (AFLS) to evaluate the client’s mastery level across various skills and subskills. This helps us create a comprehensive profile of their strengths and areas for growth.

From there, we collaborate closely with the client and their family or guardians to identify the next set of skills they should focus on, ensuring the goals are meaningful and relevant. Importantly, the client plays an active role in selecting the skills they want to learn. This empowers them to take ownership of their development.

Once goals are set, we work systematically to teach these skills. But learning doesn’t stop at instruction—we provide real-world experiences that allow clients to practice and solidify their new abilities. This hands-on approach ensures the knowledge is not only acquired but also retained for long-term use.

At CLD, a person-centered process isn’t just a philosophy—it’s a commitment to creating a program tailored to each client’s unique needs. We design personalized steps for development, guiding individuals through their journey toward independence. Our approach ensures that every client receives the support they need to achieve lasting growth, one step at a time.

Skill Acquisition Process

We have developed a skill acquisition process that systematically introduces new skills and works with each client, phase by phase, to ensure they achieve mastery. This structured approach supports consistent learning and helps clients build the competence needed for lasting independence. The process of learning a new skill typically follows a structured sequence of phases, each designed to ensure understanding, application, and mastery. Here’s a breakdown of these phases:

1. Introduction and Awareness

• Goal: Familiarize the learner with the concept or skill.
• Approach:
  • Present the situation where the new skill is needed.
  • Explain what the skill is and why it is important, if applicable.
  • Present the skill in the context that helps the learner connect the skill to their life.
  • Use visual aids, stories, or demonstrations to introduce the concept.

2. Modeling and Demonstration

• Goal: Show how the skill is performed correctly.
• Approach:
  • Demonstrate the skill step by step, emphasizing key actions and decisions.
  • Use clear, simple language and visuals to break the skill into manageable parts.
  • Allow the learner to observe multiple examples of the skill in action.

3. Guided Practice

• Goal: Help the learner practice the skill with support and feedback.
• Approach:
  • Have the learner try the skill in a controlled environment while being coached.
  • Provide immediate feedback to correct mistakes and reinforce successes.
  • Use prompts, cues, or scaffolding to build confidence and reduce errors.
  • Repeat the practice over time to ensure the skill is fully acquired and retained.

4. Independent Practice

• Goal: Enable the learner to apply the skill independently.
• Approach:
  • Create opportunities for the learner to use the skill without direct supervision.
  • Monitor their performance and provide constructive feedback as needed.
  • Encourage repetition to build fluency and confidence.

5. Generalization and Adaptation

• Goal: Ensure the learner can use the skill across different settings and situations.
• Approach:
  • Present the skill in various contexts to promote flexibility and evaluate generalization.
  • Introduce scenarios that require adapting the skill to new challenges.

6. Mastery and Maintenance

• Goal: Ensure long-term retention and consistent use of the skill.
• Approach:
  • Conduct regular reviews and practice sessions to reinforce the skill.
  • Encourage the learner to integrate the skill into their daily routine.
  • Provide occasional feedback to ensure skill retention over time.

7. Assessment and Progress Evaluation

• Goal: Measure the learner’s proficiency and determine next steps.
• Approach:
  • Use objective tools or observations to evaluate the skill level.
  • Compare performance against goals to identify strengths and gaps.
  • Adjust teaching methods or skill targets based on the results.