CONTINUING EDUCATION PROGRAM 
The mission of LaGuardia’s Division of Adult and Continuing Education is to serve as a force for educational, social and economic advancement in the community and city.

PDA’s Continuing Education Program is committed to developing and providing comprehensive programs and services to address the educational needs of Deaf and hard of hearing adults. Continuing Education courses offered include:

• English and Math Literacy Program for Deaf Adults
• American Sign Language, Levels I to V
• Baby Fingers Mommy and Me
• Individualized Instruction, one-on-one instruction in all educational disciplines 
• Professional Development
• Drivers Education ( Learner's Permit)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What continuing education classes does PDA offer?
The Continuing Education programs are designed for non-degree individuals who wish to enhance their academic, linguistic and/or life skills. The courses offered include American Sign Language for hearing students and Deaf foreigners, Basic English literacy, Math Skills, college preparation, recreational and computer skills. PDA’s Continuing Education Program also provides specialized workshops, develops instructional contract services off-campus, and offers innovative courses upon request of the Deaf community.

What are examples of the classes offered?

• ENGLISH AND MATH LITERACY PROGRAM FOR DEAF ADULTS
  • Reading
    
  • Writing
    
  • Math
  • GED Preparation
  
  
• INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTION
  • Specific academic needs
    
  • Regents Exam Preparatory
    
  • Citizenship
  
  
• COMPUTER SKILLS TRAINING PROGRAM
  • How to Make Your Own ASL Vlog?
  • Introduction to Digital Moviemaking
  • Introduction to Web 2.0
    
• DRIVING LEARNER’S PERMIT EDUCATION


• AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE PROGRAM
  • Introduction to ASL
    
  • Continuing Education ASL classes (5 different levels)
    
  • Intensive Study in ASL (three advanced levels)

I don’t have a High School diploma. Can I sign up for a class in GED Preparation at PDA?

Program for Deaf Adults offers High School Equivalency Diploma (GED) Preparation classes. Also, the Academic Studies for Deaf Adults Program (ASDA) is offered to all Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals who have not completed high school and wish to enroll in a continuing education program in order to enhance their academic skills. Academic skills classes are offered in five levels of reading, writing and mathematics. Upon registration, Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing students are screened with a test in order to determine appropriate literacy and mathematical level.

I have taken and passed some of the RCT tests but failed Global Studies and American History tests. Can I take a class to prepare myself for these RCT tests?
Another component of the ASDA curriculum is Individual Instruction. One-to-one instruction is offered to students with specific academic needs, such as Regent’s Competency and GED Exams preparation, citizenship, etc. One-to-one instructions are provided to Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Hard-of-Hearing and late deafened adults to assist them in all their educational needs. Individual Instruction is available in different two-hour sessions: 6 sessions, 12 sessions, and 18 sessions, and can be scheduled at any time depending on the availability of a teacher to meet with a student.

What are the differences between Continuing Education ASL Program and the Intensive Study in ASL Program?
The main difference is the length of classroom instruction, of which the Cont. Ed. ASL Program, consisting of five sequential levels of Saturday morning classes, offers 24 hours per quarter while the Intensive Study in ASL Program (ISASL), including four different levels, offers 45 hours per session.

How do I pay for the classes?
You can pay for the classes via personal check, money order or credit card. There is also a program that can help you with the monthly payments. If you have an active case opened with a VESID counselor, you can meet your counselor to discuss your educational and vocational goals. If you are eligible, the VESID counselor can help pay for your classes.

For more info, contact: Roxann Richards-Chattoo, (866) 553-3609 Voice, (917) 832-1138 VP or (718)-482-5353 TTY