Frequently Asked Questions

• What comprehensive services are offered at CIP?
• What are the criteria for admissions?
• How long does a student usually attend?
• How many students finish their degrees?
• What types of internships are available?
• What social activities are available?
• What is the student to staff ratio?
• How much supervision is there?
• Do students live in dorms?
• Do students have to bring their own furniture?
• Do students get breaks?
• How do parents pay for your program?
• What is not included in tuition?

What comprehensive services are offered at CIP?

CIP is a year-round residential program which focuses on social, academic, career and life skills. Besides our in-house curriculum specifically for LD students, academic services include tutorials, counseling, academic liaison with colleges or universities, study halls and study groups.

For students taking an alternative or adjoined career pathway, we provide career counseling, employment skills class, internship/job liaison, job coaching and internship/job support groups. Also included is social mentoring, social thinking and a social transition group for students transitioning to a college dorm or job. Residentially students receive life skills support such as one-on-one cooking and cleaning instruction, food shopping and menu planning.

Staff is on-call 24-hours a day for emergencies. Each student has an advisor which supports them with banking, budgeting, weekly assessments and personal issues. Medication consultation and individual therapy with a licensed psychologist are part of CIP tuition. An average of three recreational weekend activities, yoga, art classes and an optional spring break trip are fun ways students to relax or expend some energy.

What are the criteria for admissions?

• Documented diagnosis of a Learning Difference such as Asperger's syndrome, ADHD, high-functioning autism, nonverbal learning disorder, PDD-NOS and/or dyslexia
• Low-average to high intelligence
• Emotional, behavioral, and psychological stability
• High level of motivation to meet program goals
• Potential to live and attend college or vocational program independently
• Ages typically 18 to 26 years old

--> More information on admissions

How long does a student usually attend?

On average students attend CIP from 2 to 4 years.

--> More information on Levels of Support

How many students finish their degrees?

Many students leave CIP with their Associates, Bachelors and occasionally even a Masters degree or a certificate through a specialized program in the area of their interest. Students who do not attend college participate in the C-STEP program and develop a career path.

What types of internships are available?

CIP has developed relationships with local businesses to provide a wide selection of internships opportunities. A students special interest is pursued in the form of an internship with the intention of obtaining a job. Examples of internships include computer repair technician, florists assistant and landscape designer.

What social activities are available?

An average of three weekend activities per week, weekly student senate meetings and a weekly Grill 'N' Chill potluck, social mentoring, community service and a yearly spring break trip. CIP students form a tight knit community and develop relationships that last a lifetime.

What is the student to staff ratio?

Average student to staff ratio is 1:1.

How much supervision is there?

CIP outings, such as weekend activities, are led by an experienced staff member. Students also have the freedom to plan their own events as long as they communicate with staff beforehand. Students have access to 24-hour on-call support for emergencies and overnight staff that live close by. Incoming students have a curfew of 11 pm on weeknights and 1 am on weekends for the first semester.

Do students live in dorms?

Most students live in 2-bedroom apartments with 1 roommate. Apartments are at most a short walk to CIP offices and other student residences. All students pay for their utilities monthly and share cleaning and cooking responsibilities. Students enrolled in our Continuum Levels live in an off campus apartment or a dorm on campus.

Do students have to bring their own furniture?

All apartments are fully-furnished. Students should bring bedding, cooking utensils and dishes, bathmats and other personal items. Most beds are twin sized with extra long beds available. A TV and Internet access are provided. TV's are not allowed in student's bedrooms.

Do students get breaks?

CIP is a year-round program which follows an academic calendar based on semesters. Since some students have jobs or internships that do not follow an academic calendar. These students have the option of staying in their apartments during breaks with a staff member on-call for emergencies. CIP offices are closed a few times year for major holidays and staff training and development.

How do parents pay for your program?

While some parents/guardians can afford to send their student to CIP, many find the costs overwhelming and/or out-of-reach. However, there are a number of funding resources available.

Federal Government Assistance
• CIP Tuition is fully Tax Deductable as Medical Expense on your Federal Income Tax (be sure to check with your tax advisor before deducting)
• Sallie Mae Payment Plans
• Many students are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Insurance
• Reimbursement for clinical services through your insurance company (ask for a statement)

Scholarships
• Other scholarships for students with Learning Differences

Banks
• Private Bank Loans
• Home Equity Loans

Financial Aid
• Available through colleges for full-time students

Public Funds
• Some school districts provide transitional funding for students to attend CIP
• Regional Centers in California
• Other State Agencies: i.e.- Vocational Rehabilitation

What is not included in tuition?

Room + Board and apartment utilities are not included in tuition. A one-year apartment lease is signed by the student on orientation day. Students also pay for their college classes and books. Students enrolled in the C-STEP Career Program pay additional tuition to cover the extra curriculum provided.

A Week in the Life

View our new interactive weekly student schedule to get a glance at life at CIP. See the schedule