• Student Expectations

Student Schedules

Students and families are encouraged to take an active role in developing the student’s weekly schedule by identifying activities and community outings that they want or need to do (see examples in Curricular Areas, 2.1). For example, if a student needs some personal care items, a trip to a grocery or drug store can be scheduled.  Or, if the family is having difficulty with a grooming or personal care activity at home, time can be scheduled for OT/PT therapists to come to the home and help identify suggestions and solutions.  The schedules are very flexible from week to week (with the exception of set-scheduled activities such as work or a community class) - and will hopefully reflect the student’s interests and needs within the home and community.  Students will review their upcoming weekly schedule on Thursday or Friday, and transfer their information (activities, days /times, transportation) into a personal planner. Students will then use that information to prepare for their upcoming activities.

Student Rules / Behavior Expectation

Students are expected to maintain appropriate behavior throughout the day, including respecting others and following the guidelines and expectations of a given site/location (including the Oak Park and River Forest High School Code of Conduct).  If a student is displaying a specific challenging behavior on a consistent and elevated level, a functional behavior analysis will be conducted, and a behavior management plan may be created as needed.

Flexibility

Due to the individualized and community-based nature of the CITE Program, students and their families will need to have great flexibility as daily changes and unexpected events are sure to occur.  For example, changes in schedule (due to student and staff absences, transportation difficulties, community conflicts) will occur frequently.  Students and their families will need to be patient, flexible, and resourceful in providing the best opportunities for the students on a day-to-day basis.

Student Guidelines and Policies

Absences

If a student has a prearranged absence (e.g., doctor’s appointment, vacation), the program teacher should be notified in advance so that scheduling accommodations can be made.  If a student is absent due to illness or other unforeseen events, the student/family should contact The CITE Apartment at 708-822-6016 as soon as possible (no later than 7:30 am), so that scheduling accommodations be made.  The answering system will take calls at any time.  Students/families will also need to contact their transportation carrier for any absences.  And finally, the student will need to contact their vocational training or employment site, if determined by the vocational team.

Punctuality

Unless otherwise scheduled, students should arrive between 7:45 am and 8:00 am.  Due to the difficulties with transportation and other unforeseen events, there may be instances where you will be late.  Whenever possible, notify the appropriate school staff or work site to let them know you will be late.

Appropriate Dress

Students should dress according to the activities of the schedule, taking into account any dress standards of particular sites (e.g., a work site may not allow shorts).  Students should also be prepared to travel outside in adverse weather conditions (e.g., umbrella, hat and gloves, etc.).

Transportation

A combination of several transportation modes will be used to transport students to their various activities and sites – district school buses/vans, school-provided community bus, PACE ADA Para transit services, PACE mainline buses, medical carriers, taxis, and possibly others.

Money for Community Training

Students will need money for community training and other related activities.  The students will be encouraged to use their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to open and use a personal bank account to assist in developing skills and independence in budgeting, banking, and money management.  The amount of money needed will vary depending on a number of factors – including student/family resources, students typical interests and activities – and will be individually determined with each family at the beginning of the school year.