About Us
Look to Connect with North Cook ISC
North Cook Intermediate Service Center (ISC) is the liaison between the Illinois State Board of Education and the local schools in our region (Region 5 in northern Cook County). NCISC serves 41 educational organizations: 32 elementary districts, seven high school districts and two special education organizations. Our partnership with these member districts impacts 17,000 faculty and the education of more than 137,000 students. That work encompasses a range of areas, including:
Comprehensive Professional Learning
NCISC provides comprehensive professional development for administrators, teachers, and support staff, such as Administrator Academies, Educator Workshops, Informational Meetings and Collaborative Series, a Mentoring Program for Administrators, In-District Educational Consultation Services and Training, and more. Everything we do supports the adults in our schools, who in turn, educate and support our students to have a positive impact on their growth, well-being, and success.
Operational & Compliance Resources
We are a key local resource for our suburban North Cook school districts for many things, including Educator Licensure and Fingerprinting Services, School Facility construction, improvements, and safety, and Compliance with state mandates for our districts’ buildings, records, policies and programs to protect our students.
In addition, the North Cook ISC manages School Bus Driver Training for all of Cook County, including Chicago, and is a primary liaison to our schools related to Truancy Prevention and Homeless Students/Unaccompanied Minors.
Student Services
North Cook ISC directly serves the students and families in our region in several ways.
NCISC operates an alternative school, North Cook Young Adult Academy. NCYAA is a Regional Safe Schools Program (RSSP) for students in grades 6-12 who might otherwise be suspended or expelled from their home school.
In addition, the Alternative Learning Opportunities Program (ALOP) offers flexible educational programs and services to meet the complex needs of students. Student advocates work on site, in schools, directly with students, to make progress in behavioral, SEL, academic or attendance needs.
How Else Can We Support You?
Continuous improvement is a core value -- as is curiosity and learning. Please share your feedback to help us learn and grow.
NCISC Office Hours
The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
(Please note that fingerprinting appointments must be made online on our website. Please go to our Fingerprinting Services page to book an appointment.)
Holidays
North Cook ISC offices will be closed on the following dates:
- July 4, 2024
- September 2, 2024: Labor Day
- October 14, 2023: Indigenous Peoples' Day
- November 5, 2024: Election Day
- November 11, 2024: Veterans' Day
- November 27-29, 2024: Thanksgiving Break
- December 23, 2024-January 6, 2025: Holiday Break
- January 20, 2025: Martin Luther King's Birthday
- February 17, 2025: Presidents' Day
- April 18, 2025: Easter Holiday
- May 26, 2025: Memorial Day
- June 19, 2025: Juneteenth