Special Education Information and Resources

The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving the success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents.  CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice. The website includes a wide range of related topics, professional practice guidance tools, and resources.

A non-profit organization of parent advocates and attorneys working to protect and enforce the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities and their families.

The DEC Recommended Practices bridge the gap between research and practice, to provide guidance to practitioners and families about the most effective ways to improve learning outcomes and promote the development of young children, birth through age 5, who have or are at-risk for developmental delays or disabilities.  These practices consist of eight domains: leadership, assessment, environment, family, instruction, interaction, teaming and collaboration, and transition and have been shown to result in better outcomes for young children with disabilities, their families, and the person

Through the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), Early childhood special education services for children, three through five years of age and their families, are provided through local school districts and special education cooperatives. Professionals with training and expertise in special education services implement the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, by supporting the educational needs of young children and families.

Works to advance the human and civil rights of people with disabilities in Illinois. EFE provides publications, events and disability-rights trainings to help people with disabilities and their families become better advocates for their rights.

A project of ARC of Illinois providing family support through information, a lending library and trainings.

One of two Illinois Parent Training and Information (PTI) Centers providing training about IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to parents. FRDC serves the counties of Cook, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties in northern Illinois. They provide information, trainings and resources in English and Spanish.

Run by psychologist, Pamela Wright, wife and partner of Peter Wright. FetaWeb is the companion website to Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, 2nd Edition - The Special Education Survival Guide by Pam and Pete Wright, which teaches effective advocacy skills.

St. Clair County 
Regional Office 
of Education 
1000 South Illinois Street 
Belleville, IL 62220
618-825-3966
Fax 618-825-3967

Office of Specialized Services 
Chicago Public Schools
125 S. Clark - 8th Floor 
Chicago, IL 60603
773-553-5596
Fax: 773-553-5595