AERO serves children with complex needs that require specialized care and attention. Allowing minors to work in such a demanding environment puts both the students and the young workers at risk, as many kids have complex behaviors. According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), young workers have higher rates of occupational injuries compared to adults.

My son attends AERO and is already not receiving the proper intensive and medical care he needs. This new program, The Teacher Helper Program, offers “learning experience for high school students” through being teacher helpers. The only requirements for these students is they have to be 16 years old and pass a background check. Having only these requirements is concerning as normal internships require grades and a letter of recommendation. It has also not been stated that they would receive any type of medical or educational training. The start date for this program is June 17th, which gives them less than a month to determine the best fit for this program. Additionally, if the program was truly for the benefit of teens, they would employ it when the next school year starts, to ensure the program is well planned and the students are receiving mentorship.

We need qualified, experienced professionals who can provide the necessary support for our children’s development and well-being. This program is another way for AERO to fill in their lack of faculty by cutting corners, this not only puts our children at risk, but the teens who do not know what they are getting themselves into. Please sign this petition to ensure that only trained adults are employed at AERO Special Education Cooperative School in Burbank, IL!