About SECEP
The Southeastern Cooperative Educational Programs (SECEP) represents a longstanding commitment to collaborative, specialized education within the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Established in 1978, SECEP was founded by the school divisions of Chesapeake, Franklin, Isle of Wight, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, and Virginia Beach, with crucial support from the Virginia Department of Education. This consortium was intentionally designed to facilitate the cooperative planning and implementation of programs that address the unique educational requirements of students with intensive support needs.
SECEP operates under a structured governance model, reflecting its commitment to partnership and shared responsibility across the participating divisions. A Joint Board, composed of members from each participating school board, provides policy oversight. The Committee of Superintendents, consisting of the superintendents from each member division, contributes strategic recommendations on program activities, budgets, and personnel matters. An Advisory Committee, featuring the directors of Special Education and Alternative Education from each division, ensures program alignment with identified needs. Additionally, SECEP fosters valuable community partnerships, including collaborations with local businesses to enhance opportunities for both staff and students.
SECEP’s strategic objectives center on strengthening community engagement, expanding recruitment initiatives, and fostering staff retention through robust professional development. SECEP is dedicated to creating an environment where every student and staff member can thrive.
SECEP offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to meet a wide spectrum of students:
● Autism Spectrum Program (ASP): Provides individualized instruction for students with autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities, addressing academics, communication, social, and behavioral challenges.
● Educational and Behavioral Interventions for Challenging Students (EBICS): Provides individualized academic, life skills, communication, and social skills instruction for students who typically exhibit multiple disabilities, including intellectual disabilities and significant behavioral challenges.
● Re-Education of Children (Re-ED) Program: Provides a structured and supportive environment for students who typically exhibit intensive emotional disabilities and other significant behavioral challenges, while promoting academic and prosocial growth.
● Raising Expectations and Abilities for Children with Complex Health Needs (REACH): Delivers high-quality educational services to students with intensive support needs including multiple disabilities and complex health conditions who reside at St. Mary's Home for Disabled Children or Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital.
● Tidewater Regional Alternative Education Program (TRAEP): Provides alternative educational placements and transitional support for students facing long-term suspension, expulsion, or returning from state learning centers. In certain cases, students may attend TRAEP in lieu of disciplinary action.
At SECEP, we provide exceptional educational services and foster a supportive community where every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Additional information regarding the various SECEP programs can be located under the “Programs” tab on our website.