A small, highly individualized program for students with complex needs

NEC offers three unique programs for secondary and post-secondary students through age 22 with moderate intellectual, mental health, and learning disabilities

Program Description

STEP (Skills Training Education Possibilities) Program is a therapeutic, academic and community based instruction program focusing on students with varied cognitive abilities and social-emotional/behavioral challenges.

The goal of the STEP Program is to enable students to achieve a high level of success and independence in a classroom setting and then transfer their skills in the community.

Who We Serve

The STEP Program is currently enrolling individuals between the ages of fifteen (15) through twenty-two (22). Students enrolled in the STEP Program demonstrate a variety of challenges and diagnoses such as: Intellectual Impairment, Social-Emotional Disability and Learning Disabilities.

Program Components

Below is an overview of our program components:

• Functional Academics

• Therapeutic Supports

• Behavior Management (Individualized Incentive/behavior plans)

• MCAS Prep

• Vocational Assessment

• Pre-Vocational Skills Training. School-based opportunities (What’s Brewin’ Cafe, Childcare, Recycling, Paid jobs: courier service and janitorial work

• Internships (Daycare/Nursery school settings, Animal shelters, Nursing homes/elder care in an elder day care center, Local hospital and rehabilitation centers, Thrift shops)

• Travel Training

• Summer Programming

• Exposure to community resources (Public Library, Recreation departments)