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Sector Classroom Programs
The SEDOL Sector program provides students with a variety of disabilities a free and appropriate education within a general educational environment. Highly qualified professionals teach in Sector classrooms within schools throughout SEDOL’s 31-member district in Lake County, Illinois. The SEDOL Sector and Itinerant programs ensure academic and social success for all students in their least restrictive environment, as close to their home district as possible.
SEDOL offers a variety of different programs, with each offering individualized services to accommodate the needs of the student. Here is a brief description of each program:Language and Social Skills Opportunities (LASSO I & II)A program for students from preschool to high school who exhibit characteristics generally associated with autism spectrum disorders and require a highly structured, specialized program. The program meets individual needs for communication, social skills, sensory needs, functional academics, and self-help skills. This program focuses on skills presented through a modified curriculum based on the Illinois Learning Standards. These classrooms are generally in public school buildings, and mainstreaming opportunities are available. Sponsored parent involvement activities are available throughout the school year.VisionThe Vision Program provides services to students whose visual disability impacts their ability to perform within a general education program. Instruction is provided within the special education or regular education classroom and/or an alternate work area throughout the day, as needed, utilizing alternate strategies such as Braille. This program focuses on skills presented through a modified curriculum based on the Illinois Learning Standards. SEDOL maintains two programs that address the needs of students in grades K-8.Teaching Appropriate Behaviors (TAB)A program designed to meet the needs of students grades 1 through 12 whose behavioral or emotional needs are to such a marked degree that they adversely affect their educational performance and/or the learning of others. Through the program, students will learn appropriate behaviors, new academic skills, and how to reduce inappropriate behaviors. Related services (speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, etc.) are available based on each student’s needs. This program focuses on skills presented through a modified curriculum based on Illinois Learning Standards. The program offers a variety of academic and social experiences designed to promote positive interaction skills with peers and adults. These classrooms are in public school buildings, with integration into the general education program as appropriate.Educational Life Skills (ELS)This program is a cross-categorical, small-group instructional setting for students in grades K-12. The program is structured to meet the needs of students with moderate to severe cognitive needs and those who require a curriculum that focuses on functional life skills (i.e., vocational, domestic, self-care) and adaptive behaviors. Opportunities are provided within the community to practice skills taught within the educational setting. Skills presented in this program focus on a modified curriculum based on Illinois Learning Standards that incorporates life skills. Instruction and therapies (speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, etc.) are available in small and large group situations and delivered based on individual needs. These classrooms are in public school buildings with integration into the general education program as appropriate.Early Childhood (ECH)A cross-categorical, language-based program for children ages 3 – 6. The small group setting (between 8 – 10 children) has morning and afternoon sessions and is 2 ½ hours per day. An Early Childhood teacher facilitates and prepares activities for the class. Academics and therapies (speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, etc.) are delivered in small and large group situations. Activities are presented through play utilizing a developmentally appropriate curriculum. For children who are of kindergarten age, mainstreaming experiences will be explored. Parent involvement days (non-attendance days for students) occur regularly throughout the school year. SEDOL also provides specialized Early Childhood programs for students who present characteristics of autism spectrum disorders, physical and multiple impairments, emotional and behavioral disorders, hearing impairments, and more significant cognitive delays. Skills presented in this program focus on a modified curriculum based on the Illinois Early Learning Standards.