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
College Completion Track
Vocational Track
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.
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!
College Completion Track
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
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
Speech and Language
Arrowsmith Program
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.

