Special Services

Diagram

Self-Contained TARGET Program: Autism

Ages Served: Prek- 22
Location: GWE, VDELC, OES, CMS, WNHS

Description: The Self-Contained Autism Classroom is a specialized educational setting
designed to meet the unique learning, communication, behavioral, and sensory needs. The
program provides a highly structured, predictable, and supportive environment where students
receive individualized instruction based on their strengths, challenges, and Individualized
Education Program (IEP) goals.

The program promotes gradual reintegration into general education settings when appropriate,
with support systems in place to ensure a smooth transition. Planning may include behavior
coaching, partial-day mainstreaming, and ongoing progress monitoring.

Bright Beginnings Public Day Therapeutic: Autism

Ages Served: Prek- 22
Location: Clay Academy

Description: Bright Beginnings is a specialized program dedicated to providing a
comprehensive and individualized educational and therapeutic environment for students who
have characteristics of or are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
This program is housed in a school dedicated to serving students with special education needs.
We are committed to fostering academic achievement, communication skills, and positive
behavioral development in a highly supported setting.

• One-to-One Support: Each student receives the support of a dedicated one-to-one paraprofessional throughout the day.
• Behavioral Expertise: The program includes a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) to design and oversee behavior intervention plans, and a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) to implement daily behavioral strategies.
• Related Services: Based upon individual need, a full complement of related services is available to be integrated into each student's educational schedule.

Self Contained Life Skills Program

Ages Served: Prek- 22
Location: PWE, CMS, WNHS

Description: The Self-Contained Life Skills Program is designed to support students with
moderate to severe intellectual and developmental disabilities in acquiring essential skills for
daily living, functional academics, social interaction, and vocational readiness. The program
provides a structured, supportive environment tailored to meet each student’s individual needs
through evidence-based practices, individualized instruction, and meaningful real-world
experiences.

Self Contained EDSC Program: Emotional Disability Self Contained Classroom

Ages Served: PreK - 8th grade
Location: Dean & CMS

Description: The Emotional Disability Self-Contained (EDSC) Classroom is a specialized
learning environment designed to serve students whose emotional and behavioral needs
significantly impact their ability to succeed in a general education setting. The program provides
a structured, therapeutic, and supportive atmosphere where students can develop the
academic, behavioral, social, and emotional skills necessary for long-term success in school.
Staff are trained in crisis prevention techniques and de-escalation strategies to ensure student
and staff safety. Interventions focus on maintaining student dignity and fostering long-term
self-regulation.

The program promotes gradual reintegration into general education settings when appropriate,
with support systems in place to ensure a smooth transition. Planning may include behavior
coaching, partial-day mainstreaming, and ongoing progress monitoring.

Clay Academy - Public Therapeutic Day School

Ages Served: PreK - High School

Description: The Clay Academy Public Therapeutic Day School provides a structured,
supportive educational environment for students who require specialized emotional, behavioral,
and academic support not available in traditional school settings. Our program serves students
with social-emotional disabilities, trauma histories, mood disorders, anxiety, autism spectrum
disorders, and other complex mental health needs that significantly impact their ability to
succeed in a mainstream classroom.

We combine a standards-based academic curriculum with embedded therapeutic supports to
promote both educational progress and emotional growth. Each student receives an
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) specific to their individual needs.

Life Connections Programming-Transition

Ages Served: 18-22 years of age
Location: WNHS and community locations

Description: The Life Connections program is a dynamic, holistic initiative designed to support
young adults ages 18–22 as they navigate the transition into independent adulthood. Rooted in
personal growth, skill-building, and community engagement, this program equips participants
with the practical tools, emotional intelligence, and future planning strategies necessary to thrive
in today’s world.

Whether preparing for college, entering the workforce, or discovering their path forward, Life
Connections fosters connection, resilience, and long-term success in a supportive, inclusive
environment.

Early Childhood Services

Ages Served: 3-5 years old
Location: VDELC & GWE

Description: This inclusive early childhood education program is designed to support the
developmental and academic growth of all young learners, including those with diverse learning
needs. Facilitated by a licensed general education teacher with a special education
endorsement, the classroom provides a nurturing, engaging, and accessible environment where
every child can thrive.

The program integrates evidence-based instructional strategies and developmentally
appropriate practices that address the individual strengths and needs of each student. With an
emphasis on play-based learning, social-emotional development, and early academic skills,
students receive support through differentiated instruction, embedded interventions, and
inclusive classroom routines.

Learning Behavior Specialist Services

Ages Served: Kindergarten - 22 years old
Location: All

The Special Education Teacher plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to education for
students with disabilities by supporting their academic, behavioral, and social-emotional
development in both general education classrooms and supplemental learning environments.
Through collaboration, instructional support, and individualized services, the Special Education
Teacher helps foster inclusive learning communities where all students can thrive. Learning
Behavior Specialist Services can be provided both within and outside of the general education
classroom in order to meet the various needs of the students.

Best Buddies

Ages Served: 6th-12th Grade
Location: Creekside, WHS, WNHS

Description: Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to
establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships
and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
The program fosters meaningful connections between people, helping to break down social
barriers and promote inclusion, understanding, and acceptance. The organization continues to
flourish and expand throughout the district.

Special Olympics

Ages Served: 8-22 years of age
Location: OES, PWE, CMS, WHS, WNHS

Description: Special Olympics is a global movement that provides year-round sports training
and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for students with intellectual
disabilities. Through inclusive sports, health education, and leadership programs, Special
Olympics empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities to achieve their personal best—on
and off the field. With the support of dedicated coaches, volunteers, and families, athletes grow
in confidence, skills, and self-esteem.

Kristie Carbajal, Special Education Coordinator

• Dean Elementary School
• Greenwood Elementary School
• Mary Endres Elementary School
• Olson Elementary School
• Prairiewood Elementary School
• Westwood Elementary School

Julie Jennett, Special Education Coordinator

• Creekside Middle School
• Northwood Middle School
• Woodstock High School
• Woodstock North High School

Lindsey Serpe, Special Education Coordinator

• Life Skills, Transition, and Target Programs

Tiffany Valkema, Special Education Coordinator

• Verda Dierzen Early  Learning Center

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Best Buddies has been at Creekside Middle School since 2008.  The program has grown from 25 members the first year to 145 in years past.  Peer buddies (students without a disability) are matched in one-to-one friendships with a buddy (students with a disability).  

Students who are interested in being a peer buddy or associate in Best Buddies must fill out a survey and have two teacher references sheets turned in.  Peers must then attend a five-minute interview with Best Buddies Advisors. The interview is to find out what each peer/associate knows about disabilities and their comfort level.  We do not want a student to feel scared or uncomfortable around their buddy. If accepted in the program, peers are matched with a buddy with the same interests and grade level when possible.  

Matches are required to see each other at least once a week.  They have lunch together, see each other outside of school, visit each other classrooms, and attend monthly events.  Peer Buddies are required to fill out an online Friendship Update at the end of each month. This lets advisors and program managers know if matches need some support and if they are seeing each other. 

Each month, Best Buddies officers and advisors plan an event.  Some of the events have been included: crafts, fitness day, painting pumpkins or making ornaments, playing board games, cleaning Hercules Road, movies, and visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus. 

Life Connections Transition Program

Who Qualifies for the Life Connections Transition Program?

• A student who has an IEP
• A student whose IEP team recommends the student for continued services to address transition goals specified within the student’s IEP
• District 200 also outlines that a student who will be entering the program should have met all of their graduation requirements prior to entering Life Connections to ensure they will leave with a high school diploma.

Life Connections is currently a four-tier program designed to meet the needs of our diverse learners. Tier 1 is housed at WNHS and Tiers 2-4 are housed at an off-site location.

The program focuses on the six pillars of transition which include: Post-secondary education, Vocational Education, Integrated Employment, Continuing and Adult Education, Independent Living, and Recreation and Leisure.  Students who are in the program participate in vocational training within the school setting and in the community.