Section 2603.210  Education

a)         Introduction

1)         Education is a basic need and an inherent right of every child. Handicapped children must be afforded the same quality of education as other children.

2)         A program of instruction, based on a sound philosophy of education, is essential to furnish structure to an important element of a youth's day through the use of guided activity with academic and/or vocational value.

b)         Minimum Standards

1)         Education

A regular schedule of academic instruction and related educational services appropriate to the needs of each individual shall be made available for children who have not attained the age of 16 years and made accessible to youth 16 years of age and over who wish to participate.

A)        A child's community school shall be immediately notified of his/her shelter care status.

B)        During the first three days of placement, children shall be offered education materials based on discussion with the child's community school personnel.

C)        After three days in placement, or before if it appears the child will remain longer than three days, the shelter care facility shall arrange for children to attend a community based school or provide an on-site school program.

D)        Community based school:

i)          Every effort shall be made to arrange for youth to attend their home school.

ii)         The facility shall arrange for transportation to and from a community school.

iii)        The facility shall maintain contact at least weekly with school personnel to review each child's school progress and program.

iv)        The facility shall provide tutorial assistance when required and assistance with homework.

E)        On-site school:

i)          Teacher personnel shall be qualified by training and certified by the State of Illinois.

ii)         The curriculum must provide for instruction in the basic subjects.

iii)        Equipment and supplies shall be of similar quantity and quality as provided in public schools.

iv)        Classrooms shall provide not less than 20 square feet of floor space per student.

v)         Class size shall not exceed 15 students per teacher.

2)         Physically/Mentally Handicapped

Physically handicapped and/or retarded children must receive academic instruction appropriate to their needs.

3)         School Exempt Children

Constructive activities for school exempt children shall be provided.

4)         Library Services

Library services shall be available to all children.