What Niles Township District for Special Education does

Niles Township District for Special Education (NTDSE) #807 is a public special education cooperative that delivers specialized instructional and therapeutic services to students ages 3-22 across nine member elementary school districts in Niles Township, North Cook County, Illinois. Operating from the Julia S. Molloy Education Center in Morton Grove and from 15+ satellite classrooms embedded within member district schools, NTDSE serves an aggregate population of approximately 123,000 residents across the communities of Morton Grove, Niles, Lincolnwood, and Skokie within a 10.5 square mile footprint. The organization's core instructional programs are Project CLASS (Communication, Learning, and Social Skills), Project ABLE (Academic, Behavior, Learning, Excellence), and the LIFE Skills Program (Learning Independence For Everyone), all of which apply evidence-based practices grounded in behavior analytic principles and align with Illinois Learning Standards.

NTDSE's service portfolio spans 19 distinct offerings, comprising three core programs, the Molloy Education Center facility, Extended School Year (ESY) summer programming, and fourteen related services (Adaptive Physical Education, Assistive Technology, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Instructional Coaching, Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Orientation and Mobility, Physical Therapy, Preschool Screening/Child Find, Psychology, School Health Services, Social Work, Speech/Language Therapy, and Vision Itinerant). Technology integration includes assistive technology devices and customized AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) solutions, delivered by staff holding national certifications such as ASHA (speech-language pathologists), NBCOT (occupational therapists), CBMT (music therapists), and ACVREP (orientation and mobility specialists). The organization's administrative technology stack includes ParentSquare for stakeholder communication, Infinite Campus for student information and registration, BambooHR for HR and payroll, Learning Stream and Infinitec for professional development, Applitrack for employment applications, and Verifent for employment verification.

As a public entity, NTDSE does not operate on a commercial revenue model. Funding derives from property taxes, state and federal special education allocations, and contributions from the nine member elementary districts that jointly govern the cooperative through a Governing Board. The organization operates under Illinois State Board of Education authorization and complies with IDEA 2004 Child Find obligations, with public accountability maintained through transparent board meeting materials, budget information, and an October 2025 Strategic Plan published as the principal long-range planning artifact.

Name

Niles Township District for Special Education

Legal name

Niles Township District for Special Education #807

Website

https://ntdse.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Short description

NTDSE #807 is a public special education cooperative serving nine member elementary districts across approximately 123,000 residents in North Cook County, Illinois. It delivers specialized instructional, therapeutic, and assistive technology services to students ages 3-22 with disabilities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (62431), Educational Support Services (6117), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Help Supply Services (7363), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Education Staffing & Contracted Providers (Paras, Therapists, Specialists) (EDAJAKAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities (IDD) Schools & Life Skills Programs (EDAKAAAD), IEP/504 Planning, Case Management & Compliance (EDAJAKAB), Parent & Caregiver Training for LD/Dyslexia Support (EDAKAJAJ)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Special education cooperative
• Related services disability
• Assistive technology education
• IEP programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Morton Grove

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

NTDSE is a special education cooperative providing specialized programs and related services (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech, assistive technology, etc.) to students with disabilities ages 3-22 across nine member elementary districts in Niles Township, Illinois. It operates the Molloy Education Center as a central day school and Satellite Programs embedded within member district schools, delivering evidence-based instructional programs such as Project CLASS, Project ABLE, and LIFE Skills.

Product overview

Niles Township District for Special Education (NTDSE) is a special education cooperative serving nine elementary districts in the North Cook County, Illinois communities of Morton Grove, Niles, Lincolnwood, and Skokie. The organization operates as a platform of integrated programs centered at the Molloy Education Center and Satellite Programs within member district schools. The core offerings include Project CLASS (Communication, Learning, and Social Skills), Project ABLE (Academic, Behavior, Learning, Excellence), and the LIFE Skills Program (Learning Independence For Everyone), all utilizing evidence-based instructional approaches grounded in behavior analytic principles. NTDSE provides comprehensive related services including Adaptive Physical Education, Assistive Technology, Deaf & Hard of Hearing programs, Instructional Coaching, Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, School Health Services, Social Work, Speech/Language Therapy, Vision Services, and Orientation and Mobility. Extended School Year programming is available during summer months for qualifying students.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Molloy Education Center The Julia S. Molloy Education Center is NTDSE's central facility housing special education programs for students with significant needs, including Life Skills, Project ABLE, Project CLASS, and Deaf/Hard of Hearing programs, serving students from early childhood through grade 8.
• Satellite Programs Highly structured programs for students pre-K through eighth grade located within member district elementary and middle schools, providing small group instruction with individualized researched-based curriculum aligned with member district curricula and Illinois Learning Standards.
• Project CLASS (Communication, Learning, and Social Skills) Specialized instruction focused on communication, learning, and social skills development, available at both Molloy Education Center and satellite school locations, using evidence-based instructional approaches grounded in behavior analytic principles.
• Project ABLE (Academic, Behavior, Learning, Excellence) Highly structured, small-group instructional environment focused on building trusting relationships; addresses academic, social-emotional, and school functioning growth while empowering the whole child.
• LIFE Skills Program (Learning Independence For Everyone) Instruction in self-care skills, communication skills, functional academic skills, community instruction, and vocational/transition services; classroom activities enhance student independence using evidence-based methodology.
• Extended School Year (ESY) Summer programming offered to students who qualify for IEP services; Molloy students attend at Molloy Education Center, while satellite and district program students attend at Rutledge Hall in Lincolnwood School District 74.
• Adaptive Physical Education Curriculum for students with low-incidence disabilities who cannot fully participate in general physical education; services may be consultative, integrated, or part of a student's special education placement.
• Assistive Technology Assistive technology devices (commercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized) and services to assist educational teams in facilitating access to the learning environment, with the goal of increasing, maintaining, or improving students' functional capabilities.
• Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program Programming for students with hearing loss through self-contained classrooms and itinerant services; supports a Total Communication Approach including oral, ASL, picture exchange, and assistive technology.
• Instructional Coaching Instructional Coaches provide professional development, training, and coaching in evidence-based practices to staff in member district schools and NTDSE programs to improve student learning.
• Music Therapy Individualized music interventions addressing non-musical goals in communication, social/emotional, motor, and cognitive/academic domains; therapists are CBMT certified.
• Occupational Therapy Therapy addressing neuromuscular, sensorimotor, and cognitive challenges that impact educational progress; focuses on motor skills, daily living skills, school work activities, play skills, and vocational skills; therapists are NBCOT certified.
• Physical Therapy Evaluation and treatment of students ages 3-22 with motor skill and functional performance deficits affecting educational participation; addresses range of motion, strength, balance, endurance, posture, positioning, and equipment needs.
• Preschool Screening / Child Find Process Monthly developmental screenings for preschool-aged children (3-5 years) residing in Niles Township school districts; conducted at East Prairie School to identify children who may have disabilities and need special education services.
• Psychology Services School psychologists help students academically, socially, behaviorally, and emotionally through effective strategies; provide comprehensive services collaborating with families, schools, and communities using evidence-based instructional strategies.
• School Health Services NTDSE nurses support student health and well-being through first aid, administering physician-prescribed medication, and assisting with health plans for conditions including allergies, seizures, asthma, diabetes, and feeding issues.
• Social Work Services Intensive support for students ages 3-22 with social/emotional needs affecting school performance or peer interactions, including social skill development, emotional regulation, problem-solving, crisis intervention, and parent consultation.
• Speech/Language Therapy Speech-language therapy addressing speech and language deficits impacting educational progress; covers articulation/phonology, expressive and receptive language, pragmatic language/social skills, stuttering, voice, feeding, and hearing impairment; all pathologists are ASHA certified.
• Vision Program (Itinerant) Itinerant service for students with diagnosed visual impairments ranging from low vision to total blindness; includes instruction in expanded core curriculum areas and development of functional independence.
• Orientation and Mobility Services Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS) provide instruction in concept development, sensory awareness, orientation, mobility systems, and travel skills within school and community settings for students who are blind or have visual impairments.

Quantifiable outcome

• Jerika Gill, teacher at Molloy Education Center, received Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching 2026

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Golf School District 67coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Lynn Owens serves as Assistant Superintendent. Contact: [email protected], (847) 966-8600 x329.
• Skokie School District 68coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Sharon Jacobellis serves as Director of Student Services. Contact: [email protected], (847) 568-8902 x8902.
• Skokie/Morton Grove School District 69coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Kristine Schubert serves as Director of Special Services. Contact: [email protected], (847) 675-7666 x1012.
• Morton Grove School District 70coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Katie Douglas serves as Special Education Coordinator. Contact: [email protected], (847) 965-6200 x4266.
• Niles Elementary School District 71coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Laura Guarraci serves as Director of Student Services. Contact: [email protected], (847) 966-9280 x1105.
• Fairview South School District 72coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Carly Gross serves as Special Ed Coordinator. Contact: [email protected], (847) 929-1050 x208.
• East Prairie School District 73coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Vernessa Stepney serves as Director of Special Services. Contact: [email protected], (847) 673-1141 x1110.
• Skokie School District 73.5coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Angela DeMay serves as Director of Special Education. Contact: [email protected], (847) 676-8267.
• Lincolnwood School District 74coreOthersMember district served by NTDSE. Jennifer Ruttkay serves as Director of Special Education. Contact: [email protected], (847) 675-8234 x3828.
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of IllinoisminorOthersProvides health insurance coverage for NTDSE employees. Subject to Transparency in Coverage requirements with machine-readable files available for the ASOMRF plan.
• Infinitec (AT Technology)coreTechnology or IntegrationProfessional learning partner providing assistive technology training and resources. Infinitec is a cooperative dedicated to advancing assistive technology for students with disabilities, offering training through Learning Stream platform.
• ParentSquarecoreTechnology or IntegrationCommunication platform used by NTDSE for family engagement, staff communication, and district announcements. Provides organized message channels for different stakeholder groups including Families, Staff, and Districts.
• Infinite CampuscoreTechnology or IntegrationStudent information system used for online student registration. NTDSE collects all registration information including emergency contacts and transportation requests through this system. Families select 'D807' as the district.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Catapult Learning: Catapult Learning is a national provider of special education, intervention, and professional development services to K-12 districts, mirroring NTDSE's combination of direct student services and member-district professional learning.
• The Menta Group: The Menta Group operates private special education schools and day programs serving students with autism, emotional/behavioral needs, and other disabilities across Illinois — overlapping on Project ABLE/CLASS-like curricula and self-contained classroom delivery.
• Specialized Education Services, Inc. (SESI): SESI operates special education schools and programs nationwide serving students with autism, behavioral, and learning needs; comparable in self-contained classroom model and related-service provision.
• Melmark: Melmark provides residential, day, and educational services for children and adults with autism, IDD, and behavioral needs — comparable in self-contained special education classrooms and multidisciplinary related services.
• Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health: Devereux provides behavioral health and special education services (including K-12 day schools) across multiple states — overlapping with NTDSE's Project ABLE, social work, and psychology service lines.
• ChanceLight Behavioral Health & Education: ChanceLight provides behavioral health and special education programs (day schools, ABA, mental-health services) across multiple states — a broader-incumbent analogue to NTDSE's Molloy Center self-contained classrooms.

Direct peers

• Northeast DuPage Special Education Cooperative (NDSEC): NDSEC operates as a multi-district special education cooperative in northeast DuPage County, IL, providing related services, satellite programming, and itinerant supports — directly analogous to NTDSE's joint-agreement model.
• Northern Suburban Special Education District (NSSED): NSSED is an Illinois special education cooperative serving multiple elementary districts in the northern suburbs of Chicago — same operating model, same ISBE oversight, and similar related-services continuum as NTDSE.
• Special Education District of Lake County (SEDOL): SEDOL is one of Illinois' largest special education cooperatives, pooling resources across Lake County districts to deliver center-based and itinerant special education services — directly comparable to NTDSE in structure and scope.

Emerging players

• Brightmont Academy: Brightmont Academy operates private one-on-one K-12 schools including for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, and ASD — overlapping with NTDSE's tutoring/individualized instruction use case though via a different delivery model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/NTDSE
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/niles-township-district-for-special-education

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Niles Township District for Special Education