Congratulations to the recipient of the Making Children Better Now Bursary for the 2024 graduating class of the OPTIONs program, Matthew Cook.
What is the Options Program?
It is an alternative educational program for students aged 18-21 that are capable of attaining paid employment if given extra supports in the areas of work and independent living.
SOUTH- It is a collaborative program with many partners that work together: Lambton Kent District School Board, St. Clair Catholic District School Board, Community Living Chatham Kent, Community Living Wallaceburg and St. Clair College - Thames Campus.
NORTH- It is a collaborative program with many partners that work together: Lambton Kent District School Board and Community Living Sarnia.
How many years is the Options Program?
It is a 2 year program. However it is dependent on the age of the student that is coming into the program. Once the student reaches the age of 21 years of age they are no longer eligible to participate in the program.
Where is the Options Program located?
The Options Program SOUTH is housed at St. Clair College – Thames Campus in Chatham.
Cost of attending the Options Program
Students do not pay tuition as they are not registered as St. Clair College students. Options students are registered as CKSS students who are attending classes at St Clair College – Thames Campus. There is a small registration fee which allows students to get a student card, use the computer labs and participate in St Clair College events.
Admission Requirements:
Completed 4 years at the secondary level
Graduated with a certificate of Achievement, Accomplishment or OSSD
Identified with an intellectual disability (which maybe in combination with other disabilities)
Have completed previous co-op experiences (either school or community based)
Be able to work independently
Application Process:
Students who are interested in applying to the Options Program need to speak to their teacher and the secondary school education team. They will be provided with an application to fill out and submit to the Options Intake Committee. Options is a competitive program and there are limited spots. The candidate will go through an interview process and will be notified if they are successful in securing a spot in the Options Program.
Options Curriculum:
Co-op
Monday and Tuesday students are out on co-op. The staff at the Options Program and Community Living work closely at the beginning of the year to secure a placement in the students’ chosen place of business. Hours will vary depending on the employers’ needs. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from co-op on Monday and Tuesday. Public transport training is available for those students that need it.
In Class
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday students are in class at St Clair College – Thames Campus. Areas of study include:
Career Management | Independent Living Skills |
Health and Nutrition | Health and Safety at Work, home and in the community |
Personal Management | Computer Skills |
Literacy and Math Skills | Recreation and Leisure |
Parenting | |
The school day runs from 8:15 am to 2:15 pm*
*dependent on transportation
Students are bused by the school bus company to and from school.