Special Education

District 155 offers a range of individualized services and programs that help students reach their educational potential. The Special Education faculty and staff support families and students from 8th grade transition to beyond high school and provide a number of related services to ensure students operate in a safe learning environment.

Explore D155's Specialized Programs

Cary-Grove - Functional Communication Skills (FCS)

In addition to Learning Resource classrooms for Cary-Grove students ages 14 - 18, Cary-Grove High School also houses the Functional Communication Skills (FCS) program for students across the district.

Students enrolled in the Learning Resource curriculum are provided:

Direct instruction classes, such as math and reading
Additional supports through guided studies, such as ACCESS
Related services
Social emotional support

The Functional Communication Skills program services students with multiple disabilities and focuses on strengthening students communication skills to ensure they are successful in communicating their wants and needs when they graduate from high school.

FCS offers a holistic approach to education for students to grow academically and learn skills to live independently. Students build their reading and writing skills, independent communication skills, as well as, practice personal hygiene, feeding skills, cooking and living in an apartment setting.

The program also offers a full bench of related services based on student needs. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

Speech & language pathology
Occupational & physical therapy
Vision & hearing therapy
Orientation & mobility
Social emotional support

Students have the opportunity to participate in PE with their gym buddies and learn a variety of in-school jobs which prepares them for employment in the future. Community based trips are incorporated in student learning at various times each semester.

Crystal Lake Central - Lifeskills

In addition to Learning Resource classrooms for Crystal Lake Central students ages 14 - 18, Crystal Lake Central High School also houses the Lifeskills program for students across the district.

Students enrolled in the Learning Resource curriculum are provided:

Direct instruction classes, such as math and reading
Additional supports through guided studies, such as ACCESS
Related services
Social emotional support

The Lifeskills program at Crystal Lake Central High School services students ages 14 to 18 and provides a traditional classroom setting to approximately 35 students. Academics are tailor-made for each student and include direct instruction classes such as math, reading, science and social science in order to meet state requirements. Students also have the opportunity to take general education courses, such as P.E., art or choir.

Staff members are committed to a team approach that supports students academically and socially with a variety of related services. Students build independent skills through the recycling program and other tasks throughout the building. The program also looks to support students in developing the skills needed for their postsecondary transition.

The program also offers a full bench of related services based on student needs. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

Speech & language pathology
Occupational & physical therapy
Vision & hearing therapy
Orientation & mobility
Social emotional support

Students also have the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics, Tiger Buddies, and the annual Hoopin' & Hollerin' event held at CLC.

Crystal Lake South - Functional Living Skills (FLS)

In addition to Learning Resource classrooms for Crystal Lake South students ages 14 - 18, Crystal Lake South High School also houses the Functional Living Skills (FLS) program for students across the district.

Students enrolled in the Learning Resource curriculum are provided:

Direct instruction classes, such as math and reading
Additional supports through guided studies, such as ACCESS
Related services
Social emotional support

The Functional Living Skills program at Crystal Lake South High School services students with low incidence disabilities. Students are provided with functional academics, such as English, math and social science, as well as functional performance tasks throughout their day.

Crystal Lake South houses six FLS classrooms, including a sensory room, a kitchen and an apartment where students build independent living skills. These skills include cleaning, cooking and grocery shopping. Staff members, including teachers, paraprofessionals and related service staff, work to provide students with the independence needed in their postsecondary transition.

The program also offers a full bench of related services based on student needs. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

Speech & language pathology
Occupational & physical therapy
Vision & hearing therapy
Orientation & mobility
Social emotional support

Students also have the opportunity to participate in adapted P.E. with general education students, be a part of Gator Buddies, as well as take art and music classes. Community based trips are incorporated in student learning at various times each semester.

Prairie Ridge - STRIVE

In addition to Learning Resource classrooms for Prairie Ridge students ages 14 - 18, Prairie Ridge High School also houses D155's 18-22 transition program, known as STRIVE, for students across the district.

Students enrolled in the Learning Resource curriculum are provided:

Direct instruction classes, such as math and reading
Additional supports through guided studies, such as ACCESS
Related services
Social emotional support

STRIVE is District 155's transition program for students 18 - 22 which focuses on functional academics, independent living skills, and preparation for postsecondary employment.

The program also offers a full bench of related services based on student needs. This may include, but is not limited to the following:

Speech & language pathology
Occupational & physical therapy
Vision & hearing therapy
Orientation & mobility
Social emotional support

To learn more about STRIVE, click here.

Haber Oaks Campus

Haber Oaks Campus is an alternative learning program serving all high schools in D155 which focuses on restorative and trauma sensitive approaches to support student success and development. Our classes are taught by special education teachers to best support students whose social, emotional or behavioral needs require highly supportive and supervised special education services throughout the school day. Interventions are focused on developing skills for meeting academic requirements, improving social interactions and developing abilities to manage emotions and behaviors with the goal of eventual participation in the least restrictive environment (e.g. base high school).

Haber Oaks Campus also offers flexible online learning opportunities for general education students who meet certain criteria based on grade level and academic credits earned. Much like the special education program, the online learning program is offered in a small environment with multiple supports including a paraprofessional, tutor and an academic counselor to assist with course planning and support students in achieving graduation requirements.

Please note: Public school districts are required to take whatever action is necessary to facilitate a parent or guardian’s understanding of and participation in IEP and Section 504 meetings. This includes the provision of interpreter services for parents/guardians whose native language is not English or a sign language interpreter for parents/guardians who are deaf or hard of hearing. In the absence of qualified interpreters on staff, school districts may use outside vendors, including telephonic interpreters. Parents/guardians have the right to request that an interpreter provided by the school district serve no other role during an IEP or Section 504 meeting, and the school district must make reasonable efforts to comply with that request. To request an interpreter or if you have any questions or complaints about interpretation services, please contact your student's school directly.