ECLC of NJ Chatham School Graduates 19 Students with Special Needs!

CHATHAM - ECLC of New Jersey has proudly celebrated the graduation of 19 students with special needs from the Chatham school!

Principal Jason Killian opened the ceremony with a speech highlighting how success is truly achieved. “We are so proud of everything that you have accomplished. As you graduate and move on to new adventures, remember that success is not measured by how fast you go, but by the effort you put in and by the way you treat others,” said Killian. “You have already shown that you can make a difference simply by being yourselves. We are proud of you. We believe in you and can’t wait to see all the wonderful things you will do next”

A highlight of the ceremony is when each student enjoys a few minutes in the spotlight sharing a short speech reflecting on their school journey and what's to come. Some students used AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) devices to deliver their remarks.

Grace Ames of Chatham gave heartfelt thanks to her family, “Thank you for all your love, support and encouragement. You have helped me become the person I am today.”

Braden Hopton of Madison admitted, “I am nervous to graduate and leave ECLC, but I am also excited for what comes next. ECLC has made me a stronger person, both mentally and physically.”

Lucy Ritter of Westfield, using an AAC, seemed to sum it up for the class, saying, "We have worked so hard to reach this moment, and I know great things are ahead for all of us. Let's go out and rule the world!"

Each graduate has a clear plan for the future, thanks to the support from ECLC affiliate, Community Personnel Services (CPS). They partner with students and their families to find the best next step, whether enrolling in ECLC’s PRIDE Adult Program, beginning a new job, or another alternative program.

About half the students are staying in the ECLC family, entering the PRIDE Program to continue learning and growing in a nurturing setting. ECLC has PRIDE Centers in Florham Park, Parsippany, and Saddle Brook.

About ECLC of New Jersey

ECLC of New Jersey is an accredited, nonprofit educating students ages 5–21 with autism, Down syndrome, and other disabilities at schools in Chatham and Ho-Ho-Kus. ECLC believes in educating the whole student, placing an equal emphasis on academics and social-emotional learning.

Students are prepared for life as adults through a transition program that starts at age 14, providing opportunities to learn job skills in-house and later venturing out to local workplaces.

When students are in their final year of school, staff from ECLC's affiliate, Community Personnel Services (CPS) eliminate the anxiety and worry of graduation, almost like falling off a cliff that can occur at programs without these services.

CPS staff collaborate with students and families to create a roadmap for success in adulthood. Based on skills, abilities and interests, students "job sample" prior to graduation with the goal of identifying the best match. For students who may not be ready for work, CPS arranges tours of ECLC’s PRIDE Adult Program, another day habilitation, or educational program, as appropriate.

Learn More - Schedule a tour of an ECLC school by sending an email to aduarte@eclcofnj.org.