A.E.R.O. is a special education cooperative composed of eleven member school districts. Our mission is to assist these districts in providing comprehensive special education programs and related services to children with disabilities who reside in our member districts. These services are offered in both public and private schools throughout portions of Stickney, Worth, and Lyons Townships. As a legal entity under the School Code of Illinois, A.E.R.O. is governed by a Governing Board with one board of education member from each of the eleven districts, and we are funded through a combination of local school district contributions, state and federal grants, and state reimbursement.
In 2023, we proudly opened the A.E.R.O. Therapeutic Center in Burbank—a 150,000-square-foot, purpose-built facility designed to meet the unique needs of our students. The center brings all programs under one roof, offering sensory-friendly classrooms, therapy spaces, life skills rooms, indoor and outdoor play areas, and a safe, supportive environment.
At A.E.R.O., we are dedicated to empowering students with disabilities through innovative, inclusive, and student-centered educational experiences. Our programs foster independence, build meaningful connections, and help students achieve lifelong success. We are proud to be known as the A.E.R.O. Aviators, a symbol of our commitment to helping students reach new heights in learning, independence, and confidence.
To guide our work and ensure long-term impact, A.E.R.O. has developed a comprehensive Strategic Plan focused on three key areas:
-
Instructional Practice
-
Climate & Culture
-
Student Growth & Achievement
This plan reflects our shared vision, mission, and commitment to continuous improvement across all programs and services.
