TCI Film School wins Innovation in Special Education Award from NJ School Boards Association

Competing against 51 other public and private school programs, TCI Film School was one of ten programs chosen by the NJ School Boards Association (NJSBA) as an example of a successful, creative effort that enables special needs students to achieve their potential. The annual Innovation in Special Education Award, recognizing exemplary programs for special education students in both the public and private schools, is sponsored by NJSBA and ASAH, an organization that represents private special education schools. The award was presented to TCI Film School at a luncheon on May 11th in conjunction with Special Education Week in New Jersey 2015. This is the third Innovation in Special Education Award received by The Children’s Institute.

As part of the TCI High School’s “person-centered” philosophy and curriculum for individuals on the autism spectrum, at TCI Film School students learn by doing. Each student completes a short film project, TV spoof sketch, commentary, current events report or other video project. As they advance, students can start to work “in house” on professional productions, giving them the opportunity to learn highly marketable vocational skills. The film school gives voice to students’ original content from a unique perspective through web publishing, film festivals and local broadcasts. On Thursday, June 18th from 7-9 PM, short student films will be shown as part of the TCI Unique Minds Film Festival at the Morris Museum.

“At TCI Film School we teach high-value technical career skills, job readiness through teamwork and task completion and social skills through our Acting for the Camera for Social Skills program. Students have fun and feel accomplished when they complete their own project,” commented Film School Director, David DiIanni. He continued, “Our students have won awards for their work, been hired by professional production companies and produced videos and films that have increased their self-esteem through recognition by their school and local communities.”

TCI Film School also offers evening, weekend and summer courses for middle and high school students, as well as young adults, who can benefit from teaching techniques and staff support designed for individuals with social and learning challenges. These classes are open to anyone in the surrounding communities and although they are perfect for individuals with special needs, anyone can benefit from them and everyone is welcome. For more information about this award-winning program, contact David DiIanni.

About The Children’s Institute (TCI)

For more than 50 years, TCI has been a pioneer in serving individuals with special learning needs. Today, TCI includes two non-profit schools, approved by the New Jersey State Board of Education, which serve children from ages 3-21 on the autism spectrum and with related disabilities, and The Center for Independence, a program for adults over 21, approved by the NJ Division of Developmental Disabilities and the NJ Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. TCI is committed to developing the academic, social, behavioral, communication, life and career skills of children, young adults, and adults on the autism spectrum.