Life Skills
Life Skills Program
District 155 offers a continuum of life skills programming designed to meet the diverse needs of students based on their cognitive abilities, level of independence, and intensity of support required. Across programs located at Crystal Lake Central High School, Crystal Lake South High School, and Cary-Grove High School, students receive individualized instruction that integrates functional academics, communication development, daily living skills, social-emotional growth, and transition planning to support successful postsecondary outcomes. Instruction may include direct academic coursework aligned to state requirements, functional performance tasks, and real-world skill development such as personal care, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, and independent living in simulated apartment settings. Students also have opportunities to participate in general education courses, adapted or general physical education, fine arts, peer partner programs, school-based vocational experiences, and community-based instruction.
Programs are supported by collaborative teams of special education teachers, paraprofessionals, and related service providers based on individual student needs. Related services may include speech and language therapy, occupational and physical therapy, vision and hearing services, orientation and mobility, and social-emotional support. Through structured classroom instruction, hands-on learning environments, school-based work experiences, and community partnerships, students build communication, functional academic, independent living, and employment skills to prepare for adult life. Additionally, peer buddy programs exist at all three high schools, housing our life skills programs to provide opportunities for them to work with peer mentors. There is also an established Special Olympics team at each school, which offers another opportunity for meaningful participation in a supported environment outside of the school setting.
The student's level of need will determine which program is best equipped to meet them, and it may not be their home high school.