CKA Friends Community General Studies

It is with incredible pride and excitement that CKA launches its devoted Special Needs Division: CKA’s Friends Community! This division harkens back to CKA’s roots as its curriculum was originally conceived in a Special Day Class in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District. In that setting, the program provided a tremendously positive, collaborative, and experientially engaging learning environment that covered standard mandated curricula in the form of a cooking class. The classes also incorporated various therapies (Occupational, Speech, Social Skills/Psychological, etc.) and it was quickly apparent the profound impact CKA could have on social, and academic growth and IEP goal achievement.

While CKA has offered classes to students with special needs since its official formation 12 years ago, we have decided that the time has come to establish its own devoted Special Needs division in order to vastly increase the impact our curriculum can have on this community!

CKA's purpose is to introduce all its students to the most fun, engaging and inspiring way to learn. Just as the company's original pilot workshops did, CKA Friends Community curriculum incorporates a variety of therapies. As a result, not only are students with special needs learning a valuable life skill, they're also gaining valuable assistance toward achieving personal growth, independence, and confidence.

Once students are immersed within this welcoming, entertaining and educational environment, CKA's experiential workshops provide for a hands-on way for students to grow on multiple levels:

  • Firstly, to provide them with skills in the kitchen that will boost their independence and ability to care for themselves.
  • Secondly, by teaching the value of making good nutritional choices. CKA empowers its students to take ownership over the type of food they put into their bodies. A focus on healthy eating, how food plays a role in how one feels, and one's overall health will create more health-conscious students.
  • Thirdly, putting students together in this kind of collaborative environment will work on their team-building, social, and communication skills - all of which are vital tools for having successful interactions with others.

How exciting is that?! We can’t wait to get started and look forward to seeing you and your children in our class! Thank you so much for your support of the CKA Friends Community!