Community Based Instruction

Community Based Instruction (CBI):

Community Based Instruction is “sustained and repeated instruction that takes place in a natural, community setting rather than in a school building”. Students work on skills that will translate to settings that improve the likelihood that the student will have an independent adult life.

The New Jersey Department of Education defines four different types of experiences.

(1) Vocational: Students learn about community workers, go on vocational field trips, and participate in vocational exploration. They also may learn about employability skills such as being on time, staying on task, following rules and instruction; and other skills related to employment.

(2) Domestic: Students learn more about self-care, personal grooming, wellness and nutrition, and home care such as laundry, housekeeping, and meal planning.

(3) Community: Students learn about, and use, various transportation modes; and visit and utilize assorted places in the community including restaurants, libraries, shopping centers and malls, the post office, and convenience stores.

(4) Recreation and Leisure: Students learn how to use various public recreation options and plan leisure time. Students also participate in recreational activities at places like the local parks, YMCA, bowling alleys, movie theaters, amusement parks, etc.

Examples of CBI locations include:

  • Post Office

  • Library

  • Local restaurants

  • Local YMCA

  • Bank

  • Grocery Store

  • Local retail store

  • Local Parks