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Program Questions
Post-Secondary Transition Program Frequently Asked Questions
Review common questions about student fit, college participation, vocational training, independent living, program phases, admissions, and family involvement.
Common Questions From Families
Review answers about student fit, college participation, vocational training, independent living, program phases, admissions, and family involvement.
Use These Answers to Compare Programs Thoughtfully
Families comparing transition programs should look beyond labels and ask how independence is taught, where skills are practiced, how support changes over time, how college and employment are integrated, and how the program determines whether a student is progressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a post-secondary transition program?
A structured program for young adults who have completed high school but benefit from continued support while developing academic, vocational, communication, and independent living skills.
What ages does OPTIONS serve?
OPTIONS generally serves young adults ages 18–25.
Is OPTIONS another year of high school?
No. OPTIONS is a post-secondary program focused on adult outcomes, real-world responsibility, college or employment preparation, and increasing independence.
Do students live in apartments?
Students practice independent living in apartment-style environments while receiving support appropriate to their phase and readiness.
Can students take college classes?
Students who demonstrate readiness may participate in coursework through John A. Logan College. Some Extension Phase students may later take courses at Southern Illinois University.
Does every student follow the same path?
No. Programming is individualized based on demonstrated performance, competencies, interests, goals, and readiness.
How do families begin?
Most families begin with a confidential admissions inquiry to discuss the student’s history, goals, challenges, and possible fit.
Questions Families Usually Ask
Understand the Program Before You Compare It
The most useful questions go beyond whether OPTIONS offers college, employment or apartments. Families should understand how those pieces work together, how support changes, what readiness looks like, how progress is evaluated and what happens when a student needs more time in a particular area.
- Who is the program designed to serve?
- How do Standard, Modified and Extension phases differ?
- How are college and vocational experiences selected?
- How does independent living support change over time?
Common Questions From Families
What is a post-secondary transition program?
A structured program for young adults who have completed high school but benefit from continued support while developing academic, vocational, communication, and independent living skills.
What ages does OPTIONS serve?
OPTIONS generally serves young adults ages 18–25.
Is OPTIONS another year of high school?
No. OPTIONS is a post-secondary program focused on adult outcomes, real-world responsibility, college or employment preparation, and increasing independence.
Do students live in apartments?
Students practice independent living in apartment-style environments while receiving support appropriate to their phase and readiness.
Can students take college classes?
Students who demonstrate readiness may participate in coursework through John A. Logan College. Some Extension Phase students may later take courses at Southern Illinois University.
Does every student follow the same path?
No. Programming is individualized based on demonstrated performance, competencies, interests, goals, and readiness.
How do families begin?
Most families begin with a confidential admissions inquiry to discuss the student’s history, goals, challenges, and possible fit.
Start a Conversation
A Clearer Path Forward Starts With Understanding Fit
OPTIONS does not expect independence all at once. An admissions conversation is a practical first step to understand readiness, support needs, and whether the program aligns with your student.
Admissions Conversation
Begin with a confidential conversation focused on fit, not pressure.
Start a ConversationQuestions about readiness, timing, academics, living, or vocational pathways are welcome.
admissionsinfo@brehm.orgConnected Support
How This Connects Across OPTIONS
Start with an overview of the OPTIONS post-secondary transition program.
Learn how independence progresses through the three-phase transition model.
Review available academic and college support.
Understand the apartment-based independent living program.
Then review the OPTIONS admissions and fit process.
Start a Conversation
A Clearer Path Forward Starts With Understanding Fit
OPTIONS does not expect independence all at once. An admissions conversation is a practical first step to understand readiness, support needs, and whether the program aligns with your student.
Admissions Conversation
Begin with a confidential conversation focused on fit, not pressure.
Start a ConversationQuestions about readiness, timing, academics, living, or vocational pathways are welcome.
admissionsinfo@brehm.org