Positive Regard Network

The Positive Regard Network (PRN) started in 1994 in West Springfield, when John Foley, our founder, felt students were falling through the cracks. 30 years later and now we employ over 500 passionate individuals that believe "Every person deserves unconditional respect and positive regard."

Positive Regard Network (PRN) provides opportunities to maximize the quality of life for children and young adults who are faced with significant challenges while providing unconditional positive regard in a diverse environment. To ensure the well-being of students, Positive Regard Network works closely with schools, agencies, families, and communities. PRN provides considerable resources to staff in order to meet the needs of the individual students. Our goal is to help students reach their potential by working with families, public school districts, and human service agencies in a collaborative manner that allows individuals to work toward success at their pace. 

Positive Regard Network consists of the Center School, Springdale Education Center (SEC), Connecticut Education Center (CEC) and School Based Services (SBS). Our positions are located in our private schools in Holyoke (Center School and SEC) and the SBS programs in local school districts throughout the Greater Western MA area, as well as Enfield and Putnam, CT. We are currently expanding into Hartford CT as well. Our special education day schools serve students from ages 5-22 with a wide variety of special needs. SBS operates within local public school districts and provides collaborative services with the district to provide intensive supports in order to maintain students in their home districts.