Programs and Services
Official Notice: Under Illinois law, students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP may qualify for services under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the child meets one of the following criteria:
- has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
- has a record of a physical or mental impairment
- is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.
To view courses offered through the Special Services department, view the Academic Planning Guide on the Course Selection page.
Questions about programming, assessment, and placement of students or the provision of special education services should be directed to Alyssa Gunderson, South Special Services Department Chair.
Co-Taught and Instructional LD Program
The Learning Disabilities program supports students who have identified academic or functional disabilities and may be performing below grade level. In this program, students can access general education classes, co-taught classes, and self-contained classes that align with their eligibility and need for services. Students in the program will often enroll in a resource period during the school day to focus on executive functioning skills as well as skill building in deficit areas. In addition, students have access to all related services identified as a part of their special education eligibility. In this program, students are navigating the school building and taking classes throughout the school in academic department areas.
Co-Taught and Instructional ED Program
The Emotional Disabilities program supports students who are performing at grade level or above but who require support with emotional regulation, functional skills, and executive functioning skills to be successful in the school setting. In this program, students can access general education classes, co-taught classes, and self-contained classes that align with their eligibility and need for services. Students in the program will often enroll in a resource period during the school day to focus on executive functioning skills as well as skill building in deficit areas. In addition, students have access to all related services identified as a part of their special education eligibility. In this program, students are navigating the school building and taking classes throughout the school in academic department areas.
Multi-Needs Program
The Multi-Needs Program is a self-contained program for students whose academic and functional needs require direct intervention and support. Within this program students are working on academic skills at their level with an emphasis on functional academics. In addition, students in the program are taught independent living skills and vocational skills through our community based vocational program. Classes in this program are housed in one wing of the building in order to provide support and access to resources to meet student needs. Students have access to all identified related services as documented on their IEP. While this program is self-contained, students can earn all credits needed for graduation within the program based on a 4 year schedule rotation, access to general education classes is provided when appropriate and agreed upon by the team. Support from para professional staff is provided in all self-contained classrooms to meet the needs of students.
Supportive Program
The Supportive program is a self-contained therapeutic program for students with emotional needs whose internalizing behaviors impact their ability to learn in the regular academic setting. The Supportive program provides a safe and nurturing setting for students to gain increased self-awareness and increased emotional regulation. Social work services are both embedded in the program and provided to students individually based on their identified needs. In addition, students have access to all related services identified as a part of their special education eligibility. All students in the program take part in a behavior incentive program to earn daily and weekly rewards for managing and completing the tasks necessary to a focused and engaged student. All graduation requirements can be met in this program. Classes are offered on a 2 year sequence.
Directive Program
The Directive program is a self-contained therapeutic program for students with emotional needs whose behaviors impact their ability to learn in the regular academic setting. The Directive program provides a therapeutic approach to teaching behavior regulation, increased self-awareness and attentional control, and reduced impulsivity through social work and social emotional support embedded in the program. Individual social work services are also provided based on identified student needs. In this program students have access to all related services identified as a part of their special education eligibility. All students in the program take part in a behavior incentive program to earn daily and weekly rewards for managing and completing the tasks necessary to be a focused and engaged student. All graduation requirements can be met in this program. Classes are offered on a 2 year sequence.
