Section 801.820  Education

a)         The facility shall establish a written plan governing the facility's 12-month academic, vocational education, and work training programs for secure care youth, including program accreditation, staff certification, coordination with other facility programs and services, and planning for continuing care and release to a less restrictive educational setting.

b)         There shall be a comprehensive individual program for each youth based on his or her need which may include, but is not limited to: developmental education; remedial education; special education; multi-cultural education; bilingual education; and when the youth's profile indicates, an adaptive physical education and tutorial service.

1)         The facility program shall ensure that:

A)        Each youth is evaluated, staffed, and placed in an appropriate grade and program with an individualized educational plan; and

B)        There is periodic individual evaluation of each youth's progress and needs.  The facility shall ensure that each youth has available to him or her the necessary school supplies, text books, materials, and equipment to support the learning tasks.

2)         Each youth may participate in a program of cooperative work training and life skills development.  Such programs may include household tasks and facility cleaning and maintenance appropriate to the youth's age and skill level.  No youth shall be permitted to do tasks that are hazardous or dangerous or that risk harm to the youth.  All work should be under continuous staff supervision.

c)         These programs shall comply with applicable federal and State laws and with the requirements and standards established by the Illinois State Board of Education.  The operation of the school shall be by a public or private Board of Education which conducts a system of schools at the elementary or secondary grade levels or both.  Youth shall receive academic and vocational credits for educational achievement that can be transferred to schools in the community and diplomas shall be awarded by the school system having jurisdiction.

d)         Teachers employed in the facility's educational programs that offer academic credit shall meet the requirements of the Illinois State Board of Education.

e)         Vocational supervisors, tutorial instructors, school psychologists, social workers, school nurses, aides, librarians, and administrators shall have licensure or State certification appropriate to the grade level served, the educational status of the youth, and the curriculum.