Apply to be a NECBS Service Provider
Service providers play a key role in offering supports that help families meet student needs, reduce barriers to community participation, and strengthen daily functioning in home and community settings. Approved service providers are added to the NECBS marketplace hosted by ClassWallet where parents can use their account to pay for services. Learn more about the application requirements, required credentials or certifications, frequently asked questions, and the types of service providers that may be approved for the Noneducational Community-Based Supports (NECBS) grant program.
Program Overview
The Noneducational Community-Based Supports (NECBS) program provides an online grant opportunity for parents of eligible Texas public school students whose admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee has placed, or is considering placing, in a residential program approved under Texas Education Code (TEC) §29.008. For additional information on who is eligible for the program, please see the Questions about Eligibility section of our NECBS FAQs.
The purpose of the program is to support eligible students and their families to build stability, increase independence, and participate successfully in less restrictive home and community environments. Grant recipients are awarded an initial $5,000 account, and additional funds may be requested later if eligible and funds available. Families use funds to purchase services from qualified providers to support their child’s ability to participate successfully at home and in their community.
Services and Providers
All service providers must apply and be approved by NECBS administration and then complete the process to be added to the NECBS Marketplace through which all NECBS funds must be spent.
We are looking for service providers in the following areas*:
- Family Support and Training - Support that equips parents and caregivers with practical behavioral strategies, home routine guidance, coaching, and counseling to effectively address their student's unique needs.
- Independent Living and Daily Living Skills - Instruction that provides the student with hands on training in personal care, household tasks like cooking and meal planning, and community navigation to foster everyday autonomy.
- Behavioral and Social Supports - Out of school programs, social skills groups, and community-based services that directly teach students how to manage their emotions, cope with challenges, and build positive peer relationships.
- Community Integration - Programs and activities that help students join local clubs, build social connections, and develop age-appropriate independence directly within their community.
- Transition and Adulthood Preparation - Equips students with community-based job readiness, independent living, self-advocacy, and practical skills needed for a smooth transition into postsecondary life.
- Respite and Caregiver Supports - Provides home stabilizing respite services and caregiver programs to alleviate stress and strengthen a family's capacity to care for their student.
*To provide a service that does not fit under any of the categories, please contact NECBS@region10.org.
Service Provider FAQs
General Questions
How does a family find and select a NECBS service provider?
Approved NECBS providers become available to participating families through the NECBS Marketplace platform hosted by ClassWallet. Families must spend their NECBS funds through the ClassWallet marketplace. Approved providers are searchable through the ClassWallet platform.
Service providers may apply directly to become approved NECBS providers and added to the Marketplace. Often, however, a family has already identified a preferred provider who is not yet approved by NECBS. Families may ask that provider to apply so services can be delivered and paid for through the program. NECBS administration may also reach out to providers to share information about the program and offer support during the application process.
Families are ultimately responsible for selecting the providers that best meet their students' needs. Approval as a NECBS provider allows a provider to participate in the program but does not guarantee referrals, service requests, or payment.
How can I get help?
Please email NECBShelp@region10.org for any questions regarding the NECBS program, allowable services and invoicing, or NECBS provider applications.
Questions about Applying to be a Service Provider
How do I apply?
Service providers apply to the NECBS Program through the provider application.
Who can apply to be a NECBS provider?
Individuals and organizations may apply to become approved NECBS providers if they have the qualifications required to provide the services for which they are applying. Providers must meet all NECBS approval requirements and may not have a personal, family, or relationship with a participating family that creates a conflict of interest.
How will applications be reviewed?
Service provider applications for NECBS will be reviewed by the NECBS team on an on-going basis. All information must be submitted through the application, including certifications, licenses, and provider agreements. NECBS administrators may request more information if necessary.
When will providers be notified if they are approved?
Applicants will receive notification at the contact email provided in the application to notify them of their approval status. Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis. NECBS will strive to approve and add service providers as quickly as possible.
Questions about Licensing and Background Checks
Do NECBS service providers need to be licensed?
Yes. For any organization or individual to be approved, they must hold current certifications, licenses, and/or credentials that can be verified by NECBS administration and are in good standing with the appropriate licensing or credentialing authority. Documentation of these credentials must be included with the provider application. NECBS administration may contact the applicant to request additional information or documentation necessary to verify eligibility and confirm compliance with provider requirements.
Who needs a background check, and how can I get one?
All service providers participating in the NECBS program must comply with applicable background screening requirements before providing services to students.
Organizations are responsible for ensuring that employees, contractors, volunteers, and other personnel who have direct contact with students have completed any required criminal history reviews and fingerprinting in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Individual providers whose employment, licensure, or certification process did not include a background check must obtain one through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Personal Review Procedure, which is the only independently obtained background check accepted by the NECBS program.
Service providers are responsible for obtaining and maintaining all required criminal history clearances, conducting any required recurring background screenings, and ensuring they are not listed in the Texas Do Not Hire Registry or otherwise prohibited from working with students.
Background check documentation must be submitted before a provider application can be processed and should be emailed to NECBS@region10.org.
Questions about payment
Will NECBS pay for all services I provide?
No. NECBS only pays for allowable services provided by approved NECBS providers to students with active NECBS accounts. Payment may be denied if:
- The service is not allowable under the NECBS Purchasing Guidelines.
- The service was provided before the provider or student was approved by NECBS.
- The service is outside the scope of services for which the provider was approved.
- The student's NECBS account has been deactivated, or the student is no longer eligible for the program.
- Required documentation or invoicing information is not provided.
Providers and families are strongly encouraged to confirm the allowability of a service before it is provided. If a payment request is denied, the family or the service provider is responsible for payment, not NECBS.
What must be provided on the invoice?
Invoices submitted through ClassWallet must include all of the following:
- Name of the NECBS-approved provider individual or organization/company
- Name of the student receiving the service
- Dates of service (services must have already been provided)
- Type of service provided for each session
- Pricing details, including:
- Price per unit of service
- Total outstanding balance
- Invoice amount that matches the payment request.
Failure to include the required information may result in a delay or denial of payment.
Are there restrictions on how much a provider can charge for their services?
While NECBS does not impose a specific cap on service costs, providers are expected to maintain fair and consistent pricing. NECBS parents should not be charged more than those receiving the same or similar services without NECBS funds. Providers who charge excessive or inflated rates may be denied or removed from program access.
Provider Application
Ready to Apply to Become a Service Provider?
Qualified service providers are invited to apply and join the NECBS marketplace by completing the Service Provider application process.
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