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Benefits of Membership

The DC Special Education Co-operative is a 501(c)(3) membership organization. Membership is open to charter schools in the District of Columbia. Newly approved charter schools and those pending approval can apply for provisional membership.

The Co-operative provides high-quality services to LEAs that want to get special education right. Read more about the Co-operative’s accomplishments and plans in our 2013-2014 Membership Brochure.

Member Benefits

  • Technical Assistance Help Line
  • Bi-weekly E-Newsletter
  • Policy Updates
  • Affinity E-Discussion Groups
  • Calendar of Events
  • Resource Library
  • Members only access to:
    • Jumpstart Packages (Academics, Behavior, Compliance)
    • CPI Training
    • Medicaid billing services
    • Professional development opportunities and events
    • Consulting services
    • Product and service discounts
    • Monthly member meetings
    • Full website content (articles, tools, compliance documents, resume bank, and calendar)
    • Priority registration for ASSIST DC and INCLUDE DC, workshops, and conferences

Technical Assistance Program for Members

Implementing special education services can be a challenge, even for large school districts with many resources. D.C. charters are on their own to meet the needs of all students. Many D.C. charters are a single school district with limited resources and internal capacity to navigate the ever-changing high-stakes environment of special education policy and best practices. Through the Co-operative’s technical assistance program, member schools get the guidance and information they need to build and maintain high-quality special education programs. We provide TA in several ways:

  • Helpline - Co-operative members can call our helpline anytime.
  • Special Education Coordinator (SEC) discussion group - Members can post in our SEC discussion listserv to share resources, and get advice from fellow coordinators at other charter schools.
  • Newsletter - our bi-weekly e-newsletter includes tips, resources, and information
  • Website 
  • Policy blasts, OSSE updates, and reporting reminders
  • Member meetings -  opportunities to network and learn from peers

Membership Dues

  • For SY 2013-2014: $2,900 per LEA with 200+ total students enrolled, $2,000 per LEA with 100-199 total students enrolled, or $1,500 for LEAs with less than 100 total students enrolled
  • Download the 2013-2014 Membership Application for new members or renewing members.