ECLC of New Jersey's school for children with special needs in Chatham graduated 22 students on June 14. The youngsters received scholarship awards from many local organizations and companies: Chase Bank, Chatham Jaycees, Investors Savings, Kiwanis Club of the Chathams, Peapack Gladstone Bank and TD Bank.
During the ceremony, each graduate was given an opportunity to speak and deliver their "reflections," a school tradition for many years. It gives the students a moment in the spotlight and a chance to thank their family, friends and favorite teachers for all the support that led them to this important milestone.
With a solid foundation in academics, social and works skills, the grads are headed off in many directions: to work opportunities through Community Personnel Services, enrolling in ECLC's adult P.R.I.D.E. program and other opportunities.
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What is ECLC?
ECLC is an accredited, nonprofit, educating students ages 5-21 with severe learning and/or language disabilities, autism spectrum, Down syndrome or multiple disabilities.
Find out what's happening in Chathamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Students attend ECLC when their local school district determines that an out-of-district placement is indicated.
When students are in their final year of school, a separate ECLC offshoot, Community Personnel Services, provides transition services and post-graduation employment opportunities, while the P.R.I.D.E. program, offers vocational training, independent living skills and more to graduates and other adult clients.
Learn more about ECLC.
