READY Program

Location: 45 E. University Avenue, Champaign, IL 61820 (3rd Floor of the Illinois Terminal Building)

The Mission: The mission of the R.E.A.D.Y Program is to provide a holistic education program for students in an alternative setting. The integrated curriculum includes partnerships with the families, the home school, social service agencies and educational communities to help students find pathways to academic, occupational, and personal success.

The Purpose: An Illinois law called The Safe Schools Act has created an option for students in grades 6-12 who have been multiply suspended or on the verge of being expelled from school for acts of gross misconduct. Students accepted into the Champaign-Ford Regional Office of Education Safe Schools Program, called the R.E.A.D.Y Program, are given a unique opportunity that utilizes a variety of programs, both in the classroom and in the community, to help foster academic, vocational and emotional growth. Funding is provided by grants from the Illinois State Board of Education, General State Aid, and tuition from participating school districts.

The School Day: The school day begins at 8:35am with breakfast being served from 8-8:25am. The school day is comprised of six periods and a 30 minute lunch period with the day ending at 2:05pm.

GED Program: In collaboration with Parkland College, students may attend GED classes at the age of 16. Once a student has completed the classes, he/she may take the GED. After the GED, students enter the Job Training Program sponsored by the R.E.A.D.Y. Program in Partnership with the Illinois Employment and Training Center.

Social Skills: All students participate in a social skills training. Two full time social workers are available to help students stabilize their behavior and achieve their personal goal. The foundation of the program is based on Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Students monitor their own behavior through the use of the Success Card. School based wrap-around plans are created to provide supports in all areas of the student’s life.

Education to Careers: An education to careers coordinator teachers a consumer skills/job training class. Students then work in the afternoon as a part of their program. Students earn credit while working at a job. All students are given a career assessment and opportunities to participate in internships and job shadowing experiences. Students can also participate in a summer work program in partnership with the Illinois Employment and Training Center.

Collaboration with Mental Health: The R.E.A.D.Y. Program provides space to the Mental Health Center of Champaign County for school based counseling.