Arc of San Diego North County Center

The North County Center is The Arc of San Diego's San Marcos location for adults 22 and older with developmental disabilities, offering day programs with on-site and community-based experiences, vocational development and work opportunities. The Adult Development Center serves people who need more help with hygiene, mobility, social, safety and communication skills, with one instructor for every four participants and a day that includes sensory room activities, gardening, computer, art, music and cooking classes. Community Inclusion Services and the Seniors Program spend much of the day in the community, and the Activity Center lets participants learn work skills while earning a paycheck. Reviews are mixed: some praise patient, open-minded staff and plenty to do, while others report poor treatment. It is licensed by the California Department of Social Services as an Adult Day Program for up to 200 participants.

Each program includes individual assessment, instruction and ongoing support to build self-help skills and independence. Adult Development Center days include morning social time, sensory activities, gardening, computer, art, music and cooking classes, plus weekly community time. Community Inclusion Services teach public transit, shopping and volunteering skills; the Seniors Program focuses on nutrition, exercise and outings; and an intergenerational program pairs participants with students from Pacific Ridge School in Carlsbad.

The center is at 1336 Rancheros Dr #100, San Marcos, CA 92069. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call the program administrator at (760) 562-5435 or The Arc of San Diego at (619) 685-1175 to ask about enrollment.