Frequently Asked Questions
The cost for a semester at NECC is 80% of Hamilton’s tuition and full room and board. All of the following are included with that cost:
- Tuition for two graduate Western New England University (WNEU) courses and required books for the courses (usually two books per semester).
- An assigned intern supervisor and a one hour per week internship course.
- Lunch during the school day Monday – Friday in the NECC Cafeteria and a $100 per week stipend to cover the other meals and sundries outside of the school day.
- Free access to filtered water, coffee, tea, and some basic breakfast/snack foods (cereal, bread for toast, bagels and donuts once a week) at NECC and participation in various staff recreational and food events that happen during the school week throughout the semester.
- Housing in a furnished, single dwelling house shared by 3-4 interns that is located within walking distance of NECC (there is a shuttle bus in case of poor weather or if the student prefers a ride). The interns typically have a single bedroom in the house and housing includes laundry machines, all utilities, and cable TV and wireless internet. The student must provide their own sheets, towels, etc.
- Wireless internet and shared desktop computers available in NECC staff resource rooms Monday through Saturday, and access to the WNEU Library and on-line Kodiak services while enrolled in those courses.
- Employee Assistance Program/counseling services are available if needed.
The cost covers the earning of four course credits toward your Hamilton degree just like a regular semester at Hamilton (one credit for each of two Psychology courses offered at NECC, and two credits for Education Studies 395N Clinical Teaching Intensive Special Needs). Since the NECC program is Hamilton-sponsored, your financial aid award will be based on the cost described above (subject to determination by the Financial Aid Office, so check with them).
Please note that your student account must be in good standing no later than August 1 for the fall and December 1 for the spring in order to attend NECC.
NECC is able to offer a paid, full-time summer employment experience and an unpaid, part-time summer internship for undergraduate students.
In the paid summer experience at The New England Center for Children, undergraduate students are responsible for teaching anywhere between six to nine students in a 1:1 or small group teacher-to-student ratio. Teaching responsibilities include using reinforcement techniques, following behavioral guidelines, and implementing an educational curriculum that is unique to each individual student. The 40-hour work week will include day, evening, and weekend hours in the classroom and residential environment for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer. Paid summer employees participate in a training period that mirrors full time teacher training that ensures an easy transition into working independently with each student. This schedule includes a 3-day physical intervention and de-escalation skills training for working with children with behavioral difficulties. This position is a perfect fit for rising juniors and seniors looking for short-term, professional experience in the field. Paid summer employees are supervised by team coordinators whose hours vary across the day, evening, and weekends. Housing is sometimes available for full-time, paid summer employees.
Part-time summer interns can develop their own weekly schedule as they work with 2-3 students for a minimum of 10 hours a week for 10 weeks in the classroom environment. The training schedule is modified to fit the intern’s availability and is an abbreviated form of the full training that promotes a smooth and gradual transition into working on shift as a teacher. This training does include one day of basic physical and de-escalation safety procedures for working with children with behavioral difficulties. NECC has received excellent feedback regarding its training program for employed staff and interns alike. Part-time summer interns are supervised by team coordinators in collaboration with the NECC internship coordinator.
If you are interested in a summer internship or summer employment at NECC, please send a resume and cover letter to Maddie Klibonoff, Intern Coordinator at mklibonoff@necc.org. All questions related to summer opportunities should be directed to Ms. Klibonoff.
Thanks to the generosity of Hamilton alumni and friends, funding is available through the Career Center to cover expenses for students who undertake unpaid or minimally paid summer internships. It is important for students to know that applications for this funding are due no later than March 31 in any given year and that their internships need not be finalized in order to apply for funding. Preliminary awards can be finalized when internships are confirmed. There is more information on the Career Center website.
In the Spring Semester the program typically begins shortly after New Year's Day and runs until mid-April.
Academic Courses are offered on-site at NECC, meeting in the evening so they do not interfere with other duties.
“After taking a 2nd year graduate course at NECC I found my psychology labs at Hamilton to be much easier while at the same time more enjoyable. I found myself less inhibited when it came to speaking in class as I had just spent a semester discussing my ideas with graduate students...
Contact
Tara McKee
Associate Professor of Psychology
