Options for Learning strives to support all families and the needs of all of our learners – especially through the resources provided by the Inclusion Department!
To support children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, the Inclusion Department's coordinators work individually with families whose children have developmental diagnoses or concerns. Coordinators guide families through the enrollment process and get them the appropriate referrals and tools for their children.
Whether it’s collaborating with other agencies to provide assessments or acting as a liaison between local education agencies, our Inclusion team is dedicated to helping children succeed in school and beyond.
Keep reading to learn more about what the Inclusion Department at Options for Learning does and some of the resources that they offer families.
Who does the Inclusion Department help at Options for Learning?
The Inclusion Team at Options for Learning helps families and children who:
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Have an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), which is a written legal document that lays out the services that are needed for children with developmental delays
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Have an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which gives students with disabilities special education services in public schools
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Have a developmental diagnosis (e.g., Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, and hearing loss)
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Have a developmental concern (delays in speech, motor skills, cognitive thinking, social-emotional growth, etc.)
If you have any worries about your child’s developmental milestones, the Inclusion team would like to support you and your family in whatever ways possible.
What does it look like when a family first meets with the Inclusion Department at Options for Learning?
During the enrollment process, an assigned Inclusion Coordinator will reach out to the family directly to better understand how we can support the child and family.
After introducing themselves to the family, the Inclusion Coordinator will complete an inclusion screening form. The form provides the Inclusion Department with more information about the family's developmental concerns regarding their child and guidance on next steps once they are enrolled.
What types of resources does the Inclusion Department at Options for Learning offer to help students thrive?
The Inclusion team recognizes that every child has unique strengths and needs, so they personalize their support for each child.
Resources could include:
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Informational materials for families and educators
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Sensory support tools
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Adapted items (chew necklaces, etc.)
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Other community resources based on individual needs
What community resources does the Inclusion Department at Options for Learning provide to families?
Based on individual needs, the Inclusion Department will connect families with a variety of community resources, such as:
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Local Education Agencies (LEAs) or assigned Regional Centers to help facilitate assessments and determine what services or support may be available for their child
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Outreach events to help increase awareness and support
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Guiding families in seeking further evaluations through their child’s medical providers when requested, including referrals for services such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, and applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), or additional medical evaluations
What is the goal of the Inclusion Department at Options for Learning?
Overall, the Inclusion team’s goal is to help families feel informed, supported, and connected to the resources their child needs to thrive.
Connect with the Inclusion Department at Options for Learning to learn more about the tools and additional support they provide to enrolled families.
