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What does “VAISEF” stand
for?
VAISEF stands for the Virginia Association
of Independent Specialized Education Facilities, and was chartered
in 1973 for the purpose of developing and maintaining an effective
collaborative relationship with public sector educational and human
service agencies.
What does VAISEF do?
We are an association of Virginia private providers of specialized
education and other services for children and youth with special
needs, and to help their families. Our mission is to enhance the
capabilities of its members to provide quality specialized education
and services by offering an accreditation process and by providing
information, training, and networking opportunities.
In addition, we are dedicated to increasing the opportunities for
members to provide services by advocating for a full continuum of
services, and by advocating for an increased role by the private
sector through networking with state and local agencies.
What does VAISEF believe?
| As a group, our members believe that: |
| All individuals have a right to services
that ensure their involvement, dignity, and respect. |
| All children and youth with special needs, and their
families, have a right to quality specialized education services. |
| Private providers are essential partners with public
agencies in ensuring that all children and youth with special
needs, and their families, have access to quality specialized
education and services. |
| A peer accreditation process ensures a quality specialized
education and services for children, youth, and their families. |
What are the benefits of being a VAISEF member?
We support our members in providing innovative and quality education
services to children, youth, and adults with special needs. This
commitment to high standards and services has made a VAISEF accreditation
a hallmark of quality in Virginia’s specialized education
arena. We believe that the active involvement in a strong association
benefits private providers by promoting program involvement,
staff development, and positive productive relationships to other
agencies.
Also, we are affiliated with the Virginia Council for Private Education
(VCPE) and the National Association of Private Schools for Exceptional
Children (NAPSEC). These affiliations allow us to expand our range
of influence with state, local, and national agencies, and strengthen
our ability to provide training, information, and promote the legislative
interests of member agencies.
Are there different levels of membership in VAISEF?
Membership is available on two levels – Member and Member with Accreditation.
All new members come in at the Member level and then choose to undertake the
accrediting process to become a Member with Accreditation. VAISEF has been granted
the responsibility for being the accrediting body for non-public specialized
education schools in Virginia.
How do I know if I would be eligible for membership in VAISEF?
| To be eligible for consideration, a facility
must meet the following criteria: |
| Be a full-time facility engaged in the
education and treatment of children and youth with special
needs. |
| The facility must provide those experiences which
will enable the individual to, first, develop physical, intellectual,
social, and emotional capabilities to his or her fullest potential;
second, learn and live in a positive environment that is conducive
to personal dignity and growth; and third, to continue development
of the knowledge and those skills and attitudes which will
enhance participation in society. |
| Operate without limitation by reason of race, color,
religion, or national origin. |
| Possess a current and appropriate license(s) to operate,
as required by the Commonwealth of Virginia. |
How do I get more information about becoming
member of VAISEF?
For more information:
VAISEF
1011 East Main Street, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 1-804-228-4513
Fax: 1-804-228-4501
Email: kids@vaisef.org
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