Neighbor News
ECLC Of New Jersey's Chatham Cub Scouts Compete in Pinewood Derby
Students with special needs enjoy an old-fashioned Scout tradition!
It was a heated competition for students with special needs at ECLC of New Jersey's school in Chatham on March 4!
Youngsters in ECLC's Cub Scout Troop 100 raced small wooden cars in a traditional Pinewood Derby.
They built and decorated their cars during Scout meetings at the school with Troop leaders Principal Jason Killian and teacher Wade Dendy.
Find out what's happening in Chathamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
At the Derby, the Scouts were assisted by Tom Sugrue from Chatham's Troop 28 and Marc Maratea of the Patriots Path Council, who organized the race heats and awarded trophies to the top three fastest cars.
It can be difficult for our students to access recreational opportunities in their home communities, so sponsoring a Troop at school gives them a chance to join Cub Scouts,” said Principal Jason Killian. “This is part of the difference that ECLC is making in the lives of our students and their families.”
Find out what's happening in Chathamfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
About ECLC
In 2020, ECLC is celebrating 50 years of offering “Education, Careers & Lifelong Community” to children and adults with special needs, including autism, Down syndrome and multiple disabilities.
In 1970, a group of parents and others formed the Early Childhood Learning Centers of New Jersey to provide early-intervention services to a handful of pre-school children.
Today, ECLC is an accredited, nonprofit with two schools in Chatham and Ho-Ho-Kus, educating nearly 300 students, and additional programs serving some 600 adult clients and school alumni.
ECLC offers transition and employment services through its affiliate, Community Personnel Services (CPS). Specialists from CPS help adults with disabilities find jobs in their communities and provide ongoing support and advocacy in the workplace.
Graduates who are not ready for the workplace can enter the PRIDE Adult Program, with centers in Florham Park and Paramus. More than 170 adults are enrolled in PRIDE, which is exclusively for ECLC alumni. Adults in PRIDE spend meaningful days in activities, volunteering in the community and continuing to learn and grow throughout adulthood. Learn more about ECLC.
