Project Choices

Project CHOICES is a "least restrictive environment" initiative funded by the Illinois State Board of Education. There are two components to the Project: CHOICES, which supports school-age children; and Early CHOICES, which supports preschool-age children.

Project CHOICES provides collaborative support to schools, families, children, and youth to ensure that all learn in general education classrooms and instruction, and address and show progress toward the Illinois Learning Standards.

The outcomes of CHOICES/Early CHOICES technical support are to increase the capacities of school districts and educational personnel to educate and provide supports and services to children and youth with disabilities in the preschool, school, and community environments in which they would participate if not identified as having a disability.

We work collaboratively with school districts to ensure:

1. All children have access to general education curriculum.
2. All children and youth are assigned to general education classrooms and are treated by all staff as full participating members of the school community.
3. Schools address social emotional development as a key part of academic outcomes.
4. Schools develop and use data for decision making and problem solving.
5. Schools make a concerted effort to involve family members.
6. School districts are committed to system change and developing an effective educational system for all students.