North DuPage Special Education Cooperative (NDSEC) is located in Roselle, Illinois (a northwest suburb of Chicago). NDSEC is a cooperative agreement of nine public school districts, seven elementary and two high school districts within DuPage County, that serve a total student population in excess of 15,000 students. NDSEC provides a complete range of services to students with special needs between the ages of three and 22 years.
NDSEC assists its nine member districts with the provision of special education instructional and related services. These districts include Bensenville District #2, Addison District #4, Wood Dale District #7, Itasca District #10, Medinah District # 11, Roselle District #12, Bloomingdale District #13, Fenton High School District #100 and Lake Park High School District #108. NDSEC works in collaboration with its member districts to administer programs for students with autism, multiple disabilities, emotional disabilities, developmental delays, hearing impairments, visual impairments, other health impairments, learning disabilities and intellectual disabilities. NDSEC also provides related services of psychology, social work, speech, adapted physical education, physical and occupational therapy, and vocational and nursing services to eligible students as well as consultation services to district personnel.
NDSEC is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as the legal entity responsible for operating special education programs within its member districts. NDSEC is responsible for: (1) assisting its member districts to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations in programming for students with disabilities; (2) providing technical assistance; and (3) serving as an extension of each district by providing a continuum of services. NDSEC employs approximately 150 staff.
The philosophy of the Cooperative is to serve as a partner with educators, parents, and the community at large, in providing equal educational opportunities to all students regardless of their physical, intellectual, or emotional needs. NDSEC is committed to providing responsive programs and services that will improve the quality of life for students with special needs.