Building
Independence, One Day
at a Time
A community-based day program for adults with developmental disabilities in San Diego County. We support independence, daily life skills, and social participation in real community settings.
Supporting Adults with
Developmental Disabilities
Shinestar Day Program provides community-based day services for adults with developmental disabilities in San Diego County. Our goal is to build independence, strengthen daily life skills, and support social and emotional well-being through age-appropriate activities throughout the community.
The program runs Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, serving ambulatory participants ages 18 to 59. Every activity is planned to promote personal growth in a safe, consistent, and supportive setting.
Mental Health
Support mental and emotional well-being through regular, planned activities.
Physical Health
Build strength, mobility, and healthy habits through active daily programming.
Social Skills
Build communication skills, self-expression, and meaningful peer relationships.
Independence
Build daily living skills that help participants manage more on their own.
Our Approach
Our staff uses positive reinforcementhands-on guidance, and clear instruction to create a consistent and supportive learning environment.
Staff use verbal and physical promptstask demonstrations, and one-on-one support to help each participant meet their personal goals.
Every participant has an individualized support plan based on their IPP goals, current abilities, and personal support needs.
We keep detailed progress records for every participant. Documented outcomes are shared regularly with SDRC service coordinators.
Program Activities & Services
Our program offers community-based activities designed to build practical life skills, personal confidence, and greater independence.
Park-Based Exercises & Workouts
Participants enjoy regular outdoor exercise in local parks, building physical fitness, coordination, and healthy routines in a natural setting.
Volunteering Opportunities
Participants volunteer at local grocery stores and libraries to build real-world work skills, a sense of purpose, and connections within the community.
Adaptive Nutrition & Cooking Training
Participants learn to prepare simple, healthy meals through hands-on cooking instruction adapted to each person's abilities and comfort level.
Group Discussion Circles
Small group discussions give participants the opportunity to share ideas, practice communication, and build teamwork skills with their peers.
Art Therapy Workshops
Participants explore creativity and emotional expression through painting, drawing, and other art activities led by experienced instructors.
Financial Literacy & Budgeting
Participants learn how to manage money, understand budgeting basics, and practice everyday financial decisions in a supportive setting.
Community Outings
Regular outings to malls, museums, and local attractions give participants real-world community experience and opportunities for social interaction.
Public Speaking & Confidence Building
Participants practice speaking in front of a group, expressing their needs, and building the confidence to communicate in everyday situations.
Pick-Up & Drop-Off Services
We provide reliable pick-up and drop-off service so all participants can attend programming regardless of their transportation situation.
Benefits of Participation
Shinestar tracks and documents participant progress across key areas. All outcomes are reported in accordance with San Diego Regional Center standards for community-based day services.
Daily Living Skills
Participants show improvement in personal care and household routines within six months.
Social Interaction
Participants take part in new social activities on a weekly basis within three months.
Community Engagement
Participants attend at least two community outings per month within three months.
Emotional Well-Being
Participants report improvement in emotional well-being within four months.
Physical Health
Participants show gains in physical strength and mobility within six months.
Independent Living
Participants demonstrate increased self-sufficiency within six months.
Work Readiness
Participants show improvement in job-readiness skills within six months.
Cognitive Functioning
Participants show improvement in memory, focus, and problem-solving over time.
Our Standards and
Our Commitment to Participants
Shinestar Day Program provides individualized care, qualified instruction, and meets all SDRC community-based day services requirements.
Individualized Support
Every participant follows a program plan based on their IPP goals, abilities, and personal support needs.
Expert Instructors
All activities are led by qualified, trained staff with experience in developmental disability support services.
Progress Tracking
Progress notes and service documentation are maintained in full alignment with SDRC reporting requirements.
100% Community-Based
All programming takes place in the community. Participants spend time in real settings, building skills and connections where they live.
🏛️ SDRC Compliance Standards
- Approved SDRC Community-Based Day Services (CBDS) vendor, Vendor #HQ2067
- Services aligned with each participant's Individual Program Plan (IPP) goals
- Staff trained in Lanterman Act rights, mandated reporting, and respectful, person-centered practices
- All activities are age-appropriate and take place within the community
- Maintains required staff-to-participant ratios for supervision and safety
- Participant rights protected including dignity, privacy, and freedom from abuse
- Progress notes and outcomes documented and shared with SDRC service coordinators
- Emergency procedures, incident reporting, and health protocols fully in place
Program Hours
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Operating Days
Monday – Friday
Participant Range
Ages 18 – 59 (Ambulatory)
Proudly Serving All of San Diego County
Shinestar Day Program serves participants throughout San Diego County, bringing community-based programming directly to the communities where participants live.
All of San Diego County
Shinestar Day Program serves participants throughout all of San Diego County. As a fully community-based program, we bring services directly to participants across the region.
Gallery
Photos from our activities, community outings, and the participants who make Shinestar what it is.
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Contact Us
Contact Information
Enrollment Inquiry
Complete the form below and a member of our team will be in touch within one to two business days.