Caregivers should: 

• advocate for the youth’s current and future educational needs with the teachers, counselor and school district; 
• help the youth enroll in the correct high school classes/programs that: 
  • are required for graduation; 
  • meet the youth’s interests and plans for the future; and 
  • match the youth’s abilities and fit with his or her goals.

Caregivers of college-bound students should help identify: 

• which courses are required for admission to college; 
• which courses and activities will most likely help the student get a scholarship; and 
• which foreign languages are available.

Caregivers of students who are below grade level in reading or math, should clarify with the school whether or not remedial courses count toward graduation.

Transfer Planning

Enrolling in high school or transferring to a new high school requires careful planning. Caregivers need to be involved with the youth and caseworker in the annual high school plan process. 

Caregivers should get written information from the high school, including:

• descriptions of classes or programs offered; 
• graduation requirements, including specific required classes and number of credits; 
• dress code, showing what is required and/or allowed; 
• a list of school fees; 
• driver’s education requirements and enrollment guidelines;  
• disciplinary policies: tardiness to school or classes; truancy from school or cutting classes; disturbances in classrooms, corridors, or on school property; infractions of rules or other behavior problems; and 
• where and how to call in absences due to illness

Caregivers should also help the student determine: 

• which credits received at the former school count, or do not count, toward graduation, and plan additional courses so she does not have to lose a year. Or, determine if any substitutions are allowed for any of these requirements; 
• whether the student can continue the same foreign language, if desired; 
• available elective courses; and 
• after these consultations, how many credits are necessary for graduation and when the student will graduate — by age 18, 19, 20, or 21?

General Educational Development (GED) 

The high school diploma is preferred. Youth in foster care may only be enrolled in a GED program if they are ineligible to be enrolled in a public school district. A youth is ineligible for regular school enrollment when he or she has been expelled or is over age 19 and cannot graduate by age 21. If your student fits this description, consult with your caseworker and educational personnel about enrolling in an Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) certified GED program.

Planning for the Future 

If the permanency goal for your high school student is independent living or self sufficiency, educational planning or vocational planning should begin no later than age 14. There are many resources, including DCFS sponsored scholarships, available to children and families to assist students in preparing for educational opportunities after high school. See Section 7, pages 22-29 for DCFS-sponsored Independent Living and Youth Development programs for high school and college youth. The DCFS website www.youthincare.illinois.gov outlines many resources for youth transitioning to adulthood.