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Functional Program

A colorful and vibrant classroom setting with various educational materials, furniture, and a patterned floor rug.

The District 118 Functional Program serves students grades K-5 with significant academic, social, and functional needs who require a more structured environment to make progress in the curriculum. The functional program offers a small class size and staff to student ratio.

Students are provided instruction focusing on communication, language, social and self-management skills, self-help skills, and prevocational skills.A unique combination of modified core curriculum and alternative programs are created based on the needs of the individual learner.Instruction is provided across multiple contexts, staff members, and settings, which include whole group, small group, one-on-one centers, and structured independent work stations to facilitate generalization of skills.The functional classroom staff strive to help facilitate positive interactions and friendships with our students’ non-disabled peers. The classroom develops partnerships with general education classrooms to plan inclusive activities. In addition to activities within the general education environment, peer buddies join the functional class to participate and assist the students in classroom activities. Read more below or download the District 118 Functional Program brochure HERE.

Methodology

Structured Teaching:

  • Highly Structured Environment
  • Work System
  • Visual Supports

Verbal Behavior:

  • Builds on students' motivation to teach meaningful and fucntional language and communication to the student

Natural Environment Teaching:

  • Hands on experiences
  • In-the-moment teaching
  • Social emotional learning
  • Opportunities in natural, occurring situations

Additional Opportunities

  • General education peer buddies
  • Community outings
  • Participation in and exposure to school-wide activities and assemblies

Related Services
All students within the functional program receive related services in the areas of speech and language, social work, occupational therapy, and adaptive physical education. In addition, individual students may receive additional therapies based on the student’s IEP. Service delivery for therapy is integrated in the classroom, as well as during one-on-one centers, small group, and whole group.

Locations for Services
Grades K-3: Palos West Elementary

Grades 4-5: Palos East Elementary

 

Supply List

Functional Classroom Photos

The image shows a cozy and organized children's room with a bulletin board displaying various images and a %22Calm Down Area%22 sign, along with backpacks and other items in the foreground.
The image shows a %22First%22 and %22Then%22 display with two frames, one showing a play area and the other showing a water area.
The image shows a visual aid for children to express their feelings and needs, with a %22I feel%22 board on the left and a %22Quick check in%22 board on the right, both featuring various emotion icons.
The image displays an %22Arrival/Dismissal%22 visual aid with various icons representing different activities and items related to arrival and dismissal procedures, such as backpacks, coats, and lining up.
The image shows a %22Choice Board%22 display with various colorful images and icons arranged on it, set against a stainless steel appliance in the background.
A colorful and organized classroom with various educational materials, furniture, and decorations, creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment.