The Northwestern Illinois Association (N.I.A.) is a Regional Special Education Cooperative serving children with special needs ages birth-21 years.

These students reside in our member school districts located in the 10 northwestern counties of Illinois (Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Kane, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside, and Winnebago).

The personnel of the NIA and of member districts and participating special education cooperatives work together to develop comprehensive services for children with special needs. Typically school districts provide the teacher, classroom, and basic educational materials and equipment for these children. The NIA provides specialized related and supported services for these programs and organizations.