About Us

South Eastern Special Education (SESE) is a cooperative agreement of eleven public school districts that serve a total student population in excess of 11,000 students. We provide a complete range of services to students with special needs between the ages of three and twenty-two years of age.
SESE is recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education as the legal entity responsible for operating special education programs within its member districts. It 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 to member districts, and (3) serving as an extension of each district by providing program options for students with more severe and/or multiple disabilities.
SESE is committed to providing responsive programs and services that will improve the quality of life for students with special needs. Please feel free to contact us by email or phone if you would like to talk about any of our programs, services, professional development opportunities, or employment opportunities.

Vision and Mission Statement

Vision Statement

SESE is committed to providing responsive programs and services that will improve the quality of life for students with special needs. Please feel free to contact us by email or phone if you would like to talk about any of our programs, services, professional development opportunities, or employment opportunities.

Mission Statement

The mission of South Eastern Special Education is to ensure quality education and experiences that promote student determination, pursuit, and achievement of all future endeavors.

Our Beliefs

We Believe….

  • that education should be provided in an environment that emphasizes collaboration and
    respect for all individuals.
  • that genuine caring for students is evident in all interactions.
  • that the culture for learning should emphasize the pursuit of exploration of higher order
    thinking and expectations.
  • that the educational skills and experiences are relevant to future goals.
  • that the students’ role in determining the content, method, and future pursuits of education
    should be an active endeavor that is flexible and responsive to student ambitions.
  • that through education, communication, and collaboration, families are better prepared to
    assist students in pursuing life ambitions.
  • that through continued professional development and inquiry, educators will provide higher
    expectations for themselves and their students.

South Eastern Special Education … SESE … At A Glance

SESE began operations in 1968. In 2004 SESE structured itself to include a Governing Board, Executive Board, Administration,Licensed Employees, and Non-Licensed Employees.
SESE provides education services to children with disabilities in eleven (11) unit school districts.
SESE serves five (5) counties including Clay, Crawford, Jasper, Lawrence, and Richland.
Special Education Programs provided by SESE:

*Hearing Services
*Vision Services
*Autism Services
*Emotional Disturbance

*Early Childhood Education
*Intellectual Disability
*Day School Placement
*Residential Placement

Related Services provided by the SESE:

*Assistive Technology
*Audiology
*Counseling Services
*Occupational Therapy
*Orientation & Mobility

*Physical Therapy
*School Psychological Services
*School Social Work Services
*Speech-Language Services
*Transition Services

Services offered to SESE School Districts:

*School Crisis Assistance Team
*Assistive Technology Lending Library
*Physical Therapy Equipment Lending Library
*Complaint Responses

*Augmentative Communication Evaluations
*Sensory Equipment Lending Library
*Professional Development
*Technical Assistance To Districts

Opportunities offered by SESE in conjunction with higher education:

*Practicum
*Student Teaching Experiences
*Fellowships
*Graduate Assistantships

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