DSS student learning how to type on a computer

Empowering Self-Sufficiency for Life 

The Work Independence Self-Advocacy Education (WISE) program prepares adults with moderate intellectual disabilities to live and work as independently as possible. The program offers classroom and community-based instruction with a 1:4 staff-to-student ratio. Because of the small group, WISE students receive personalized attention while earning their certificates for completing specific requirements.

Program Locations

9200 Valley View St. (Bldg 18)
Cypress, CA 90630

315 E. Wilshire Ave.
Fullerton, CA 92832

WISE Methods of Instruction  

Students can participate in the program for up to five years. WISE meets Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

  • Computer-assisted instruction 
  • Field trips into the community  
  • Guest speakers 
  • Lecture and class discussion  
  • Role-playing and hands-on demonstration  
  • Small group and Individualized instruction  

Eligibility

Student must:

  • Be referred by the Regional Center.
  • Be able to provide transportation to and from campus each day.
  • Be able to abide by the NOCE/DSS WISE Program policies and NOCCCD.
  • Be able to communicate wants and needs.
  • Be able to use the restroom independently and tend to personal care needs or have made arrangements for a Personal Care Attendant.
  • Be able to be unsupervised for brief periods during small group or individual breaks or lunch.
  • Not be destructive of the property of the program or with other students.
  • Be able to move at least one mile daily or have made arrangements for a Personal Care Attendant.
  • Not have an uncontrolled medical condition that would disrupt the learning environment.
  • Be able to attend class five days a week from 9 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. and agree to provide two weeks’ notice if wishing to terminate attendance unless the student’s health/physical condition prevents attendance.
  • Be able to maintain 90% attendance.
  • Be able to demonstrate measured progress toward objectives.
  • Adhere to the District Standards of Student Conduct.

WISE is not a behavioral program and cannot meet the needs of students who engage in aggression, elopement, or other behaviors that disrupt the learning environment or impact classroom safety.

WISE Certificate Programs 

  • Consumer Skills Certificate

    Students learn how to manage their money, create and stick to a budget, and develop other life skills to build independence.

  • Employability Certificate

    Training focuses on finding on-campus volunteer jobs and interacting with others in the workplace. Students will get the tools and resources to succeed in the working world.

  • Health and Safety Certificate

    Students learn about personal safety and how to use nutrition and exercise to maintain good health.

  • Practical Living Certificate

    Lessons focus on developing skills to help students do household tasks independently, such as cooking safely at home. This segment also teaches students how to access community resources.

  • US Civics Certificate

    Students learn all about the United States, including geography, civics, and national history. 

Empowering Learning Environments

WISE focuses on classroom and experiential learning. Students learn to join and thrive in inclusive environments with daily training at NOCE.

Wise incorporates campus resources and activities, including:

  • Campus spaces, such as the cafeteria and bookstore 
  • The Learning Center 
  • Track, gym, and tennis courts 
  • Plays, concerts, and art exhibits 
  • Festivals 
  • Job fairs 
An image of a NOCE WISE student at his job at the local library.

To Enroll for the WISE Program

  • Provide a copy of the student’s Regional Center IPP (Individual Program Plan) and CDER (Client Development and Evaluation Report) from Regional Center to DSS Counselor, Kristina De La Cerda
  • If criteria are met, a DSS counselor will reach out to schedule an in-person WISE tour at the Cypress or Fullerton (Wilshire) centers.
  • After the tour, the counselor will schedule a DSS intake to place the student on the interest list.
  • When a spot is available from the interest list, a DSS counselor will call to confirm your intent to enroll in WISE. We contact families at the beginning of the year (December-March) for summer placement.
  • DSS will request a Regional Center Referral Packet and will schedule a formal WISE intake to review the WISE entrance requirements and required forms.

If you have any questions regarding the process, please contact the DSS Office at (714) 808-4719.