Academics

OPTIONS offers classes that aim to move students toward their next steps. These classes feature individualized instruction with opportunities for one-on-one assistance.

The core curricula offered through OPTIONS are designed to introduce students to a wide range of skills. A student’s first semester is dedicated to assessing their competencies, helping them transition forward, and monitoring their progress. From there, students may enter the College Transition Track or the Vocational Track, each of which are individualized to furnish students’ interests, strengths, and needs.

Academic Pathways

Beginning in their second semester with OPTIONS, many students may be identified for participation in a college curriculum.

We partner with a nationally-recognized community college located in Southern Illinois, John A. Logan College (JALC), to provide students with the opportunity to complete a college degree. Students who take classes at JALC receive support through OPTIONS. The course selection, as well as the number of classes in which the student is enrolled, are based on each student’s skills and maturity level.

Learn More About the College Track

OPTIONS offers classes that are designed to help students in their vocational pursuits. Taught by our Vocational Coordinator, each course guides students toward a critical understanding of workplace expectations and etiquette while also assessing their individual interests, skill sets, and career aptitudes. Following this training, the Vocational Coordinator locates appropriate and beneficial internship sites in which students acquire real workplace experience. Depending on a student’s progress and capacity, paid employment may also be secured.

In the past, we have also offered Vocational Certificates of Completion in the following areas:

• Animal Care and Services
• Business and Office Technology
• Food Services
• Health-Related Services
• Janitorial Services
• Retail Sales
• Social Services

If your student is interested in a Vocational Certificate of Completion, please reach out to our Admissions team!

Learn More About the Vocational Track

College Completion Track

Beginning in their second semester with OPTIONS, many students may be identified for participation in a college curriculum.

We partner with a nationally-recognized community college located in Southern Illinois, John A. Logan College (JALC), to provide students with the opportunity to complete a college degree. Students who take classes at JALC receive support through OPTIONS. The course selection, as well as the number of classes in which the student is enrolled are based on each student’s skills and maturity level.

Certificate Certificate Track

OPTIONS offers classes that help students prepare for vocational pursuits. Our Vocational Certificate of Completion Track is designed just for this. Typically, it is a two-year program comprised of two semesters of major coursework, one semester of coursework and practicum experience, and one semester that focuses primarily on work-based learning with support.

Currently, Certificates of Completion are offered in the following areas:

Animal Care and Services
Business and Office Technology
Food Services
Health-Related Services
Janitorial Services
Retail Sales
Social Services

OPTIONS has the ability to offer additional areas if community partners are available to participate.

Academics

OPTIONS Pogram Curriculum

Southern Illinois and the surrounding area offer a great base for planning recreational activities ranging from outdoor activities to sporting events to cultural activities. OPTIONS staff pride themselves in taking full advantage of this wide variety of activities.

Speech and Language

Our Speech and Language services equip students with communication skills that help them understand and navigate social situations safely, effectively, and with confidence.

Arrowsmith Program

In addition to our regular services, we also offer cognitive support services through the Arrowsmith Program. Through our specially-certified Arrowsmith faculty, exercises are administered to students with the goal of strengthening a range of weak cognitive capacities. The areas targeted by these exercises are hypothesized to underlie a number of specific learning difficulties.

Direct Support for Future Employment

In addition to students’ academic lives, our program also values their professional futures and emphasizes the importance of their career ambitions. To encourage and teach essential workplace skills, etiquette, and expectations, students receive one-on-one support from our Vocational Coordinator.

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Small Class Sizes

Small class sizes enable our service providers to focus on understanding each student’s learning process, identifying strengths and deficits, and implementing study skills and strategies. OPTIONS classes also focus on reading and comprehension, the revision and editing of writing, building vocabulary, and practical math applications; further, our students learn to use basic computer software programs, fiscal responsibility, and self-advocacy.