What West Bay Collaborative does

West Bay Collaborative is a Rhode Island-based non-profit educational service agency that delivers alternative learning, special education, transition/vocational, and professional development services to public, non-public, and charter schools and to students and adults with disabilities. Its service portfolio spans Pre-K through adulthood through a set of branded programs — Elevate Early Learning Center, Elevate Elementary (K-6), Elevate Futures (6-12), the R.I. Transition Academy (RITA) hosted on the CCRI campus for 18-22 year-olds with IEPs, the Compass day support program for adults 21+ with developmental disabilities, the Career Development Center (in-school and out-of-school youth services), four Regional Transition Centers covering West Bay/Northern/Southern/East Bay regions, and statewide MTSS implementation through the BRIDGE-RI learning platform. Specialized staff include certified special education teachers, behavior specialists, occupational and physical therapists, vocational evaluators, and MTSS instructional designers.

The organization's revenue model is professional-services based, funded through contractual arrangements with member Rhode Island school districts and through state agency partnerships, notably RIDE's Systems of Support contract for MTSS-RI, the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) referral pipeline for Pre-Employment Transition Services, and the R.I. Division of Developmental Disabilities (BHDDH) framework that funds the Compass program. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; as a non-profit ESA, services are positioned as a cost-saving alternative to in-district provision. Go-to-market is direct and field-based, delivered on-site at West Bay facilities, in-district, at community employer sites, and on the CCRI campus, with secondary digital distribution through the BRIDGE-RI LMS and program-specific newsletters.

Core technology is conventional educational tooling rather than proprietary platform IP: third-party adaptive learning software (Apex Learning, Lets Go Learn, Ascend Math), 1:1 Chromebooks, ClearTouch classroom screens, and the internally managed BRIDGE-RI LMS for MTSS professional development. West Bay Collaborative is governed by an Executive Board and led by Executive Director Maryann Struble, with no parent company, institutional investor ownership, or venture backing identified.

Name

West Bay Collaborative

Legal name

West Bay Collaborative

Website

https://westbaycollaborative.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1998

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

West Bay Collaborative is a Rhode Island non-profit educational service agency delivering alternative learning, special education, transition/vocational, and MTSS professional development programs to school districts, students with disabilities, and adults through branded programs including the Elevate series, R.I. Transition Academy, Compass, and four Regional Transition Centers.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Special Education Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (6117), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Transition Services (Secondary to Postsecondary/Employment, Life Skills) (EDAJAKAG)

akta.pro secondary industry

Post-Secondary Transition Planning & Coordination (EDAKANAA)

Keywords

• Special education services
• Alternative learning programs
• Transition vocational services
• Professional development training
• MTSS implementation support

Headquarters

HQ city

Warwick

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Educational Services Contracts: West Bay Collaborative generates revenue through contractual agreements with Rhode Island school districts for alternative learning programs, special education services, and transition/vocational services. The organization also receives funding through state agency partnerships with ORS and BHDDH for rehabilitation and developmental disability services.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

West Bay Collaborative is a non-profit educational service agency that provides alternative learning programs, special education services, transition and vocational services, and professional development for Rhode Island school districts. The organization operates multiple programs serving students from Pre-K through adulthood, including the Elevate branded school programs, R.I. Transition Academy, Career Development Center, Compass day support program, four Regional Transition Centers, and MTSS implementation support. Services are delivered through contractual arrangements with member districts and partnerships with state agencies.

Product overview

West Bay Collaborative is a non-profit educational service agency providing a comprehensive portfolio of educational programs and support services for students, young adults, and educators across Rhode Island. The organization operates on a multi-program architecture consisting of three Elevate branded educational programs (Elevate Early Learning Center for Pre-K, Elevate Elementary for K-6, and Elevate Futures for grades 6-12), the R.I. Transition Academy for 18-22 year-olds with IEPs, and the Compass day support program for adults 21+. These are supported by specialized services including Special Education Services (physical therapy, behavioral specialists, occupational therapy), Career Development Center offering vocational services for both in-school youth and out-of-school young adults, four Regional Transition Centers across the state, Professional Development & Training for educators, and MTSS implementation support. The programs work in conjunction with member school districts, the Office of Rehabilitation Services, and community partners to deliver alternative learning, transition, and vocational services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Elevate Early Learning Center (ELC) A personalized approach to instruction for Pre-K students, providing early childhood education services at the West Bay facility in West Warwick, RI.
• Elevate Elementary (Grades K-6) An academic program with individualized social, emotional, and special education supports for students in grades K-6, located in Cranston, RI.
• Elevate Futures (Grades 6-12) An alternative learning program for students with academic, social/emotional, and behavioral needs in grades 6 through 12, offering personalized learning in a supportive environment.
• R.I. Transition Academy (RITA) A program for 18-22 year-olds with IEPs located on the CCRI campus, providing employment skills, functional life skills, and social skills training through classroom and community instruction.
• Special Education Services Individualized and group programs including physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, behavior specialists, occupational therapists, and program consultants serving students across districts.
• Career Development Center (CDC) Provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (PRE-ETS) and adult employment services for youth with disabilities, including job exploration, work experience, and career counseling.
• In-School Youth Services Services for students with disabilities registered for PRE-ETS, including Community Based Work Experience, Summer Work, Career Compass, Job Exploration, and Tri Employment Program.
• Out-of-School Young Adult Services Services for young adults including vocational evaluation, employment services, time-limited job coaching, job preparation program, and externships to assist with independent living.
• Compass A day support program for adults 21 years or older who have completed high school and are eligible for BHDDH, providing vocational skills, life skills, and community activities.
• Regional Transition Centers Four regional centers (West Bay, Northern, Southern, East Bay) assisting middle and high schools with secondary transition requirements for youth eligible under IDEA.
• Professional Development & Training Comprehensive trainings, workshops, and seminars for educators including Wilson Reading, Fundations, non-violent crisis intervention, differentiated instruction, and technology in the classroom.
• MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) A prevention-based model providing professional learning, technical assistance, and coaching to Pre-K through 12 schools in Rhode Island for academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students participate in a minimum of three unpaid internships for up to 6-week periods
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerORS refers students to West Bay's Career Development Center for Pre-Employment Transition Services (PRE-ETS). The partnership enables services for in-school youth with disabilities and adult employment services for young adults through individualized plans for employment.
• R.I. Division of Developmental Disabilities (BHDDH)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBHDDH provides funding and eligibility framework for the Compass day support program serving adults 21+ with developmental disabilities. Participants receive support through self-directed support plans.
• Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCRI hosts the R.I. Transition Academy on its campus, providing an adult learning environment for students 18-22 with IEPs. Students have access to community college facilities and can pursue dual enrollment courses.
• Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMTSS-RI is funded through the Systems of Support contract at RIDE. The partnership also includes the National Center on Intensive Intervention (NCII) for Data-Based Individualization training.
• Rhode Island Public School DistrictscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWest Bay Collaborative serves as a non-profit educational service agency for member districts, providing alternative learning programs, special education services, and transition coordination services. Services are provided at significant cost savings to districts.
• Local Business PartnersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal employers provide internship and employment opportunities for students and young adults in transition programs. Examples include Liddle Tots II Teen and Cardi's Furniture and Mattresses.
• Providence School DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Career Development Center partners with Providence School Department and ORS to provide technical assistance to the school's Extended School Year (ESY) program for students with significant disabilities.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Melmark: NON-PROFIT PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL/TRANSITION, AND ADULT DAY SERVICES ACROSS MA AND PA. Direct peer on lifespan services, behavior-analytic approach, and IDEA-aligned school programs serving students with autism and developmental disabilities.
• East Bay Educational Collaborative: RHODE ISLAND-ONLY NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY SERVING EAST BAY DISTRICTS WITH ALTERNATIVE LEARNING AND SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. Direct peer given overlapping service model, geography, and member-district contract structure.
• Catapult Learning: FOR-PROFIT EDUCATION SERVICES COMPANY DELIVERING SPECIAL EDUCATION, TUTORING, AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TO SCHOOL DISTRICTS VIA CONTRACT. Comparable GTM (district contracts, supplemental special ed services) and professional development delivery model.
• The New England Center for Children: NON-PROFIT SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL AND VOCATION/TRANSITION PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS SERVING STUDENTS WITH AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. Comparable on alternative learning, vocational evaluation, transition, and adult services architecture.
• Birch Family Services: NYC-BASED NON-PROFIT PROVIDING SPECIAL EDUCATION, DAY HABILITATION, AND TRANSITION/VOCATIONAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES. Closely comparable program mix (alternative learning, transition, day support) and IDEA/IEP-driven model.

Broad incumbents

• Easterseals: NATIONAL NON-PROFIT DELIVERING DISABILITY SERVICES INCLUDING EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION, VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION, AND DAY PROGRAMS FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS. Compares on the transition-to-employment and adult services offerings, though at national scale.
• YAI (National Institute for People with Disabilities): LARGE NYC-AREA NON-PROFIT OPERATING SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS, EMPLOYMENT/VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS, DAY PROGRAMS, AND RESIDENTIAL SERVICES. Compares on the lifespan continuum of disability services and transition-to-employment offerings, though at much greater scale.
• Bancroft: REGIONAL NON-PROFIT OPERATING SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS, TRANSITION/EMPLOYMENT, DAY, AND RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES ACROSS THE NORTHEAST. Larger scale but directly comparable service mix, especially transition and vocational components.
• Specialized Education Services Inc. (SESI): NATIONAL PROVIDER OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOLS, TRANSITION PROGRAMS, AND ADULT SERVICES OPERATING PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS WITH DISTRICTS AND STATES. Comparable contract-based alternative education and transition model; broader geography but similar buyer type.

Regional players

• Chances for Children (formerly Children?s Center for Communication/Beverly School for the Deaf peer set): REGIONAL NON-PROFIT SPECIAL EDUCATION AND TRANSITION/VOCATIONAL PROVIDERS (E.G., INCLUSIVE OPTIONS, SPAULDING, IVCCA) THAT COMPETE WITH WEST BAY'S CORE PROGRAMS. Adjacent comparables in alternative learning and transition services, though not exact program equivalents.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about West Bay Collaborative