Program Philosophy

Southwest Cook County Cooperative offers a continuum of placement options for learners with communication disorders including Autism Spectrum Disorder and other speech and language disabilities. In the Communication Development (CD) Program, we have three placement options available for our CD Classic and CD DISCOVERS classrooms. DISCOVERS stands for Developing Interpersonal Strengths, Creating Opportunities, Valuing Essential Readiness Skills. The CD Program works with students from preschool through senior year of high school. Our classrooms are located in general education and therapeutic schools in Oak Forest, Tinley Park, and Lemont.

CD Classic Classrooms 
- Conventional classroom design
- Integrated speech-language therapy and social work
- Designed to support students with socialization and executive
  functioning support

CD DISCOVERS Classrooms 
- Structured Teaching methodology
- Integrated related therapy services, including speech-language
  and social work
- Guiding principles include instruction in literacy, mathematics,
  communication, motor skills, recreation (socialization and
  leisure), and life skills (daily living and community)
- Supports specific for students with ASD and communication 
  needs.

CD DISCOVERS Classrooms/Therapeutic Setting
- DISCOVERS model
- Located in a therapeutic day school (versus a general education
  building).
- Supports students with ASD and emotional regulation needs