National Association of Private Special Education Centers

The National Association of Private Special Education Centers (NAPSEC) is a nonprofit organization established in 1971. It represents private special education centers and their leaders across the United States, advocating for access to alternative educational placements and services for individuals with disabilities.

Mission and Activities

NAPSEC's primary mission is to support the development of its member organizations, ensuring they provide high-quality specialized education and services. It achieves this through several key activities:

• Advocacy: NAPSEC serves as a voice for its member organizations on Capitol Hill, influencing federal policies that impact private special education.
• Networking Opportunities: The organization facilitates connections among its members, allowing for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences.
• Legislative Day: Held annually in Washington, D.C., this event enables members to engage with lawmakers and address critical issues in private special education.
• Annual Leadership Conference: This conference is designed for executive directors and administrators, offering sessions on leadership, legal issues, and best practices.

Membership

NAPSEC members include a variety of private special education centers throughout the U.S. Some notable members include Hawkswood School in Eatontown, New Jersey, and Brehm Preparatory School in Carbondale, Illinois.

National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services

NAPSEC is also the parent organization of the National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services (NCASES), which offers accreditation processes for special education services.

Role in Supporting Individuals with Disabilities

NAPSEC plays a crucial role in ensuring that the unique needs of individuals with disabilities are met by providing access to specialized educational programs not offered in traditional educational settings. This is particularly significant as over 6.6 million students with disabilities are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in the United States, with a small percentage attending private specialized programs.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Association_of_Private_Special_Education_Centers [2] https://www.napsec.org [3] https://www.napsec.org/about-us [4] https://www.napsec.org/affiliate-members [5] https://www.napsec.org/casa-members