Innovative Learning for
Children with Autism

Step 1: Referral (from school district)

This typically includes: diagnostic reports, assessments, evaluations, medical information and IEP.

Step 2: Screening

NECC will schedule a time with parents and districts to meet a potential student either virtually or in person.

Step 3: Application and Admissions Interview

Parents come to NECC for a visit and meeting. The meeting is with a representative from the Enrollment and Family Support Department, Clinical team, and Health Services Department.

Step 4: Determination

Once the process is complete, the NECC team meets internally to determine if we have the specialized services for a child to meet their IEP goals and when we would be able to do so. Parents and districts will be notified of an acceptance or rejection.

Our admission process is lengthy and comprehensive in order to ensure that our program has the required specialized services for each potential student. Openings can generally be predicted months in advance, and students who have completed the process have generally been identified for specific upcoming vacancies.

Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to serve as an in-patient crisis facility.

NECC does not maintain a waiting list. If we do not anticipate that an opening will be available in a 12 to 18 month period, families and school systems are encouraged to consider other options.

NECC considers a child as a potential candidate if they have completed the admission process, if NECC has determined we have the specialized services for them to meet their IEP goals, and we have predicted availability in the next 12 to18 months. This is not a guarantee that any child will be admitted within that time frame. Because student profiles can change over time, NECC may ask to re-evaluate any potential candidate that has not been admitted within a 12-month time frame.

Tuition rates for students from Massachusetts are set by the Operational Services Division of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Information on the tuition rates can be found on the OSD website.

We are not 3rd party billable, and do not accept insurance as part of tuition. Most students have their tuition paid by one or more of the following entities: local school district, state department of education, social service agency, and private individuals. NECC does not have endowments or scholarships to assist with tuition costs.

Parents who are interested in NECC can always reach out to our Enrollment and Family Support Department to schedule a tour or review our programs. A child cannot be designated as a potential candidate for admission until funding is secured.

NECC does not discriminate against current or future students in any way. You may review our notice of non-discrimination policy here.

Yes, NECC is committed to providing all students with a safe learning environment that is free from bullying and cyberbullying. This commitment is an integral part of our comprehensive efforts to promote learning, and to prevent and eliminate all forms of bullying and other harmful and disruptive behavior that can impede the learning process. Read our official policy here.