• Sector Classroom Programs

    The SEDOL Sector program is dedicated to providing students with a variety of disabilities a free and appropriate education within a general educational environment. Sector classrooms are taught by highly qualified professionals within schools throughout SEDOL’s 31 member district in Lake County, Illinois. The SEDOL Sector and Itinerant programs are committed to ensure academic and social success for all students, in their least restrictive environment, as close to their home district as possible.

     

    SEDOL offers different programs, with each program offering individualized services to best meet the diverse needs of our students. 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 to meet individual needs in the areas of communication, social skills, sensory needs, functional academics, and self help skills. This program focuses on skills presented through a modified curriculum based upon the Illinois Learning Standards. Since these classrooms are generally located in public school buildings, mainstreaming opportunities are considered. Parent involvement activities are sponsored throughout the school year.

    Vision
     
    The 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 upon the Illinois Learning Standards. SEDOL maintains two programs, which address the needs for student 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. The program is intended to teach appropriate behaviors, teach new academic skills, and reduce inappropriate behavior. Related services (speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, etc.) are provided according to each student’s individual needs. This program focuses on skills presented through a modified curriculum based on Illinois Learning Standards. The program provides a variety of academic and social experiences designed to promote positive interaction skills with both peers and adults. These classrooms are located in public school buildings with integration into the general education program as appropriate.

    Educational Life Skills (ELS)
     
    A cross-categorical, small group instructional program for students grades K-12. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who have moderate to severe cognitive needs and who require a curriculum that focuses on functional life skills (i.e. vocational, domestic, self-care) as well as 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. Instruction and therapies (speech/language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, etc.) are delivered in small and large group situations based on individual needs. These classrooms are located 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 on a regular basis 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.