The Massachusetts Association of 766 Approved Private Schools (maaps) was founded in 1975 as a statewide association of approved private special education schools dedicated to providing educational programs and services to students with special needs. maaps members are approved by the Mass. Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education under the state’s special education law, Chapter 766. maaps represents 86 member schools serving approximately 7000 children with special needs from Massachusetts, other states and countries.

Membership in maaps signifies a commitment to excellence and ethical integrity. maaps is concerned that all children with special needs have access to appropriate, high quality educational experiences and treatment options which are necessary for their individual growth and development.  Listed below are just a few benefits of membership.

Click here for information on the Chapter 766 approval criteria from the Mass. Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

INFORMATION

These days, it is all about being informed, and maaps provides our members with the most pertinent and up-to-date information. In this time of rapidly changing regulations and ideas, you can be assured that maaps will keep you informed. All members receive a free copy of the maaps News Bulletin. Distributed monthly, this invaluable publication provides you with commentary on recent issues and legislation and keeps you abreast of pertinent legal news, and other issues affecting private special education schools. maaps also provides Member Advisories and Alerts, which cover the latest information in fast breaking statutory and regulatory issues.

ADVOCACY

maaps provides legislative advocacy for our members. We advocate for an increase in funding for special education, file and advocate for bills that will help our member schools and testify at hearings. maaps also continuously works to educate legislators, and the public about C766 Schools and to keep them abreast of legislative and budget issues pertaining to C766 schools. maaps also works on bringing legislators to our member schools so that they can see first-hand the great work that our members do on behalf of the state’s most challenged children.

MARKETING

Marketing matters, and we are here to assist you by publishing a maaps Directory of Member Schools and Related Services. This directory lists detailed information on the programs members offer and the populations they serve along with other related services. This invaluable source of information is mailed to every special education administrator and placement office in the Commonwealth and is available for parents and other individuals at our office.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

maaps conducts many workshops, seminars and conferences each year. Our biggest event is the Annual Conference which is a day-long educational program with a wide range of workshops on current topics, practices and technologies that meet the professional development needs of special education administrators, teachers, social workers, and direct care staff.