The Southeastern Massachusetts Educational Collaborative is a public education collaborative established in 1975, SMEC is an extension of nine public school systems. The present membership includes the Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, Rochester and Old Rochester Regional public school districts. SMEC accepts students for enrollment in its programs from school systems throughout Southeastern Massachusetts. The Collaborative’s programs and services are locally based and locally directed and are designed to supplement the special education resources of its member districts. SMEC offers a variety of services for students with special needs aged 3-21 as well as adults with developmental disabilities. The Collaborative also offers professional development opportunities for educational staff.