Co-op sites like NSSEO provide services to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. These programs typically maintain a population of at least 40-50 students. With this large number of DHH students, co-op sites are able to provide a variety of curricular and extracurricular options which meet the unique communication, language, and social needs of a DHH child. Professional staff who work with these children are required to provide services in the language and communication mode of the student. This offers the child options in both oral and total communication. Students have opportunities to participate in mainstream school life, both in classes and extracurricular activities. Students who attend Co-Op based schools can develop close social contacts with their peers who are deaf. On-site supervision of co-op programs are generally provided by supervisors certified both in educational administration and education of the deaf and hard of hearing.
Academic options available to students at co-op sites should include: classrooms with just DHH students; integrated classrooms with a typical, elementary through high school curriculum with modifications, and academic mainstreaming.