How Do I Find Out about Private Educational Programs?

by FamilyEducation Staff

Here are two ways to find private educational programs.

1. 1. The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), formerly known as the National Association of Private Residential Resources (NAPRR), was founded in 1970 to improve the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities and their families by coordinating the efforts of providers of private residential services. Active membership is open to any state or locally approved/licensed agency serving primarily people with developmental disabilities. Associate membership is available to any interested person, organization, or facility not qualifying for full membership.

ANCOR conducts conferences, workshops, and studies. The organization also issues bulletins and a monthly newsletter, LINKS, to inform its members of current legislation and regulations, safety and access standards, funding sources, Social Security benefits, rights of people with disabilities and their parents, etc.

Contact ANCOR at (703) 642-6614, fax it at (703) 642-0497, or write to ANCOR at 4200 Evergreen Lane, Suite 315, Annandale, VA 22003.

2. 2. The National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional Children (NAPSEC) is a nonprofit association whose mission is to promote excellence in educational opportunities for children with disabilities by enhancing the role of private special education as a vital component of our nation's educational system.

NAPSEC represents over 200 schools nationally, and over 600 at the state level through its Council of Affiliated State Associations, that provide special education and therapeutic services for both publicly and privately placed children.

NAPSEC schools provide special education services for preschool-, elementary-, and secondary-aged children, and young adults with mild to severe disabilities in over 60 different disability categories, who require individualized education programs that address their unique needs.

NAPSEC offers a free referral service to parents who are looking for an appropriate placement for their child. Simply email or call the NAPSEC office with the following information:

• The age of the child.
• The sex of the child.
• The type of program you are looking for, e.g., day, residential, or summer.
• The state or region of the country you are looking for a school.
• The child's special needs that the school must address.

Call NAPSEC at (202) 408-3338, fax NAPSEC at (202) 408-3340, send email, or mail information to 1522 K Street, NW, S. 1032, Washington, DC 20005.