Compensatory Education

About Compensatory Education

The fourth program in Basic Skills, Compensatory Education is a community college program designed specifically for adults with mental retardation or functioning on a level equivalent to mental retardation resulting from head injury or brain damage. The purpose of the program is to compensate adults with developmental disabilities for the lack of, or inadequate, education received earlier. The focus of the Compensatory Education Program is on helping the individual become as independent as possible through acquiring basic and life skills needed to function successfully in daily living.

Classes are offered in room 131 at PCC main campus Monday through Friday from 8:15 – 2:45. Contact: Marti Hunter, Director of Basic Skills 252-249-1851 ex. 3082 or mhunter@pamlicocc.edu.

Federal law mandates that every state provide some form of compensatory education for these adults. North Carolina is one of a very few states in the nation which has chosen to provide classroom instruction in this area via the community college system. The class at Pamlico Community College currently has ten students.

Compensatory Education students find music very therapeutic and love to perform. Playing to almost a full house, the class staged a patriotic concert to celebrate July 4. The program was so well received the group was invited to perform at Warden Grove Church in Lowland. In the aftermath of Hurricane Irene, the class sang a medley of uplifting numbers to those housed in the disaster shelter in the Delamar Center.

The class members eagerly anticipate a time for music each day. Their involvement in music provides a means of self-expression and helps boost self confidence.

Participating in visual art activities is another venue for self-expression. Student art work has been exhibited at a gallery in Oriental and sold at auction to raise money for Relay for Life.

Continuing Education staff members are:

Richard Garrett, Director of Continuing Education and Program Audits
252-249-1851 × 3015,
rgarrett@pamlicocc.edu.

Tammy Spain, Coordinator of Continuing Education Services
252-249-1851 × 3013
tspain@pamlicocc.edu.

Kenny Weatherington, Coordinator of Occupational Health & Emergency Services
252-249-1851 × 3017
kweatherington@pamlicocc.edu.