Children with Disabilities

Today we heard from Judith Hackett, Superintendent and Julie Jilek, Assistant Superintendent of NSSEO.  The Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization is a local resource school supporting two high school districts and six elementary districts providing special education for students ages 3 through 22.  Serving the North and Northwest Suburbs, the organization manages three schools with alternative classroom facilities to meet the special education needs of children requiring more intense educational assistance than provided by the regular classroom environment. Some students require continual one-on-one teaching to advance.

NSSEO’s aim is “enhancing students’ talents and dreams for a promising future.”  Enrolled students have been identified on the autism spectrum, require social-emotional therapy, or are hearing impaired.  These young students require intense attention to transition back to their home schools or into the work force.  Achieving independent living is the goal.

Students’ tuition is paid from the public school systems.  However, NSSEO’s total income includes financial assistance from various government and private sources.  “The cost to educate a special needs child is two to four times” the cost of a main stream education.

Opened in November, NSSEO’s “Community Resource Center” provides parents in our community a place to socialize and obtain links to various other resources to help people learn more about special education services.

NSSEO’s administration center is located at 799 W. Kensington Rd, Mt. Prospect. Telephone 847-463-8100