Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative

Initiated in 1969-70 to serve 12 school corporations
The first 15 years were devoted to initiating programs for students with disabilities in the public schools
Initially, low incidence programs were centralized in the “imaginary circle” in the coop's center
Transportation provided by coop
The 1980's brought a strong emphasis on LRE and local ownership for mild disability programs
Low incidence programs evolved into “mirror image” (East/West) concept
To stabilize program locations, lease purchase agreements were developed
In-service opportunities were expanded focusing on knowledge, skills, LRE, inclusive services and collaboration
Implementation of county programming concept
Students were served in their county
An assistant Director was assigned to each county
East Noble seceded from the cooperative and this was dealt with successfully
Implementation of ICAN/ISTAR/ISTART7 computerized IEP program
Move to current accessible facility
Districts assumed more of their own transportation