Welcome to the Education & Careers Homepage! 

The Education & Careers Department is designed to assist districts in meeting their obligation of post-school goals and transition outcomes according to IDEA 2004.

IDEA 2004 (1)(A) ensures that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living.

Mission

The mission of Education & Careers is to serve as a catalyst for coordination of research, education and service relating to youth and young adults with disabilities, as they make and act upon community, employment, and personal/social choices. Education involves both pre-service and in-service education for educators, students, families, and agency personnel, professionals. Services include the dissemination of information and creation of opportunities for sharing of best practices, research and educational programming. Our goal is to be a resource for all those working in the area of transition across McHenry County.

The Education & Careers Department identifies the importance of enriched and diverse opportunities for students to learn, perform and be recognized. We are committed to providing these opportunities. The community is the natural environment in which to provide students with meaningful work and authentic experiences. The workplace offers wonderful student-adult ratios, providing students with positive and necessary attention and support.

Goal

The goal of the Education & Careers is to enhance education and provide access to comprehensive career development for every student. This is accomplished through academic support, career information, real-life experiences, a diverse curriculum and community involvement. The approach is designed to create lifelong learners and a quality workforce. Quality Education & Careers Learning allows students to develop the skills required to successfully transition from high school to higher education and careers.

Services

The Education & Careers Department utilizes promising practices to improve the post-school outcomes of students with exceptionalities. The Education & Careers Department is designed to employ the resources of the school and community to meet the needs of students. The various components of the department make the transition from school to the world of work a positive experience by assisting student sin acquiring desirable social skills, work habits, attitudes and entry-level job skills.

The Education & Careers department offers a continuum of programs and services so that school districts, students and their families choose whatever services will best support them in their community and work settings.  This is based on our belief that every student requires a different transition action plan based on his/her unique learning needs, disability, goals and interests.

Education & Careers would like to recognize our community business partners: