Pathways to Life School

Pathways to Life Specialty School is a transition-to-adulthood program for 18 to 21-year-olds with mild to severe disabilities. We give our students the tools and confidence to live a more independent adult life. It is located at 2801 S. Kiwanis Avenue in Sioux Falls.

An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed and followed for the student’s progress. We use the “Essential for Living” curriculum, which measures and tracks progress in communication, behavior, and functional skills for optimum learning. The school district of a qualifying student pays the tuition.

To learn more, download our Pathways To Life School Flyer or Brochure.

Four-Part Curriculum Highlights

• Pre-employment: Job exploration counseling, social skills, and self-advocacy
• Workforce readiness: Attitude, communication, problem-solving, and professionalism
• Community readiness: Accessing transportation, shopping, voting, and banking
• Domestic skills: Home care, meal planning/cooking, paying bills, and scheduling appointments
• Our Employment Flyer

The Classroom of Life

Classes meet year-round, five days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This helps students acclimate to real-life, year-round work schedules. Students spend half their day in the classroom and the other half out in the community.

Designed for Learning Independence

The Pathways to Life location is designed to reinforce the sense of learning and moving into adulthood. It has a regular and accessible kitchen and laundry areas, indoor garden areas, and a simulated bedroom setting. They learn skills for work, volunteering, and life at home. For parents, we offer a Pathways Parent Handbook.

Students learn how to:

• Plan, shop for, and cook meals
• Use public transportation
• Assist with taking care of the building and the landscaping outside

Guidelines Set by Departments of Education & Labor

Pathways to Life meets Department of Education guidelines and regulations related to the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), Section 511. The goal is to provide skills for as much independence as possible within the home and community settings.

Pathways to Life Staff

Vicki Isler, Ed.D., BCBA-D, LBA - Director of Education, Children’s Residential, and Behavioral Services
605-444-9632

Brittany Dawson, MA - Principal
605-444-9627

Michelle Bohy, MA - Education Program Specialist
605-444-9627

Ashley Fleischfresser - Social Worker
605-444-9560

Anna Winfrey - Pathways to Life Teacher
605-444-9895