Special Needs

The Options Program - Students With Special Needs

The Options Program strives to provide an appropriate learning environment for each student.  Options is a one day per week supplemental program to support home school instruction and is limited in personnel, programs, and curricular offerings.  The Program works hard to meet students’ educational needs but does not have the comprehensive supports for Special Education IEP programs that are found in full time public schools.  

However, students with physical or mental impairments may be referred for an evaluation under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act ("Section 504") to determine if the student qualifies as a student with a disability under Section 504. If eligible, a 504 Plan can provide accommodations during instruction within the constraints of each site. Students referred for evaluation under Section 504 will be reviewed by a team to include parents, teachers, Options program coordinator and school counselor. 

Examples of accommodations to help learners may include:

• Preferential seating in the classroom.

• Extended time on in-class assignments or tests.

• Tests administered in a quiet, non-distracting environment.

• Class notes provided by teachers

• The use of a word processor or speech to text to assist with motor or visual motor deficits.

• The use of a tape recorder to assist with note taking.

• Recovery time when a student is emotionally overwhelmed.

If you have any questions about supports at Options for students with special needs, please contact the Options School Counselor, Fran Covelli, fcovelli@aurorak12.org