Program
Who is your teen becoming?
Most programs look backward at what went wrong. We build forward, one earned step at a time.
8 Pillars of Character Development
Accountability
Owning choices, follow-through, and honest self-assessment every day.
Self-Control
Managing impulses, emotions, and reactions before they manage you.
Respect
Treating people, property, and yourself with consistent dignity.
Work Ethic
Showing up, finishing tasks, and taking pride in dependable effort.
Emotional Intelligence
Understanding feelings, communicating clearly, and responding with maturity.
Education
Building academic skills, curiosity, and the discipline to keep learning.
Service to Others
Contributing to the community and putting others' needs ahead of self-interest.
Future Planning
Setting goals, making wise decisions, and preparing for independent adult life.
Program Philosophy
Rather than asking, "How do I recover from my past?" this program asks, "Who am I becoming?" The emphasis is on developing responsible, capable young adults through consistent routines, meaningful education, practical life skills, physical fitness, emotional growth, community service, and daily accountability. Each day reinforces habits that prepare students for independent, productive lives after graduation, with measurable progress in academics, character, relationships, and vocational readiness.
Sample Daily Schedule
- 5:45 AM
Wake Up
Beds made immediately. Personal hygiene. Room inspection. Lesson: Discipline begins before breakfast.
- 6:15 AM
Physical Training
Running, stretching, bodyweight exercises, team challenges. Builds confidence, releases stress, improves emotional regulation.
- 7:00 AM
Breakfast
Students clean up after themselves.
- 7:45 AM
Morning Meeting
Topics: gratitude, daily goals, personal responsibility, motivational lesson. Each student answers: What is one thing I will improve today? Who can I help today?
- 8:15 AM
GED Classes
8:15 AM to 11:15 AM. Subjects rotate: Monday, Math; Tuesday, Language Arts; Wednesday, Science; Thursday, Social Studies; Friday, Practice Testing. Includes reading, writing, essay practice, and computer literacy.
- 11:15 AM
Study Hall / Tutoring
Students needing extra help receive one-on-one instruction.
- 12:00 PM
Lunch
Everyone helps prepare and clean.
- 1:00 PM
Life Skills Class
Monday, Money Management; Tuesday, Communication Skills; Wednesday, Conflict Resolution; Thursday, Employment Skills; Friday, Goal Setting. Topics include budgeting, taxes, banking, interviews, healthy relationships, and time management.
- 2:00 PM
Vocational Training
Rotate weekly: carpentry, gardening, auto basics, cooking, painting, landscaping, welding (when appropriate), small business basics. Every graduate should leave with usable job skills.
- 3:30 PM
Break
Healthy snack.
- 4:00 PM
Character Development
Discussion format rather than lectures. Topics: why people lie, pride vs humility, respect, integrity, anger, fear, forgiveness, decision making, leadership, peer pressure, healthy friendships, responsibility, building trust, consequences.
- 5:00 PM
Community Service
Cleaning, yard work, food banks, helping seniors, community projects. Teaching: "Your value increases when you improve someone else's life."
- 6:00 PM
Dinner
Students rotate cooking responsibilities.
- 7:00 PM
Recreation
Basketball, gym, music, art, woodworking, fishing, board games, hiking. Healthy recreation teaches there is enjoyment without destructive behavior.
- 8:00 PM
Reflection Circle
Everyone answers: What mistake did I make today? What did I learn? Who did I encourage? What will I improve tomorrow? No judgment. Only honesty.
- 8:45 PM
Journal Writing
Daily prompts: Today I felt; The hardest part of today was; One thing I handled better than before; Someone I appreciate; A bad decision I avoided; One thing I am proud of; One thing I must change; Three goals for tomorrow; What kind of adult do I want to become?
- 9:15 PM
Reading Time
30 minutes. Suggested books: biographies, leadership, history, personal growth, classic literature, inspirational nonfiction. No phones. No television.
- 9:45 PM
Prepare for Bed
Shower, clean room, prepare clothes, quiet reflection.
- 10:00 PM
Lights Out
Weekly Classes
Anger Management
Emotional Regulation
Healthy Relationships
Nutrition & Meal Planning
Fitness
Career Planning
Public Speaking
First Aid & CPR
Computer Skills
Home Maintenance
Legal Responsibilities
Family Dynamics
Stress Management
Monthly Character Challenges
- Month 1
Responsibility
Every student begins here on the day they arrive, no matter the calendar month, and moves through the sequence one value at a time. Privileges are earned through consistent behavior, not punishment. Parents can also request a specific value or habit for their teen to focus on, and we build it into their plan.
- Month 2
Honesty
- Month 3
Respect
- Month 4
Self-Control
- Month 5
Courage
- Month 6
Perseverance
- Month 7
Humility
- Month 8
Leadership
- Month 9
Gratitude
- Month 10
Service
- Month 11
Forgiveness
- Month 12
Vision for the Future
Not sure if Teen Care Baja is the right fit?
That is the right question. We are not open yet, but our waitlist is. Send us a message and we will answer honestly, including if another program may be a better fit. No cost, no obligation, no pressure to decide.