ABOUT ECC
Services

At the Elaine Clark Center, we offer families a flexible and comprehensive program of services designed to address the complex challenges of raising a child with special needs.

Early Intervention

We offer an innovative program for early intervention which includes a full day child care component. In our inclusive environment, children are taught cognitive, social, motor, language and self-help skills through regular classroom activities, as well as individualized therapy with licensed speech, occupational and physical therapists. An Early Intervention Specialist provides developmental assessments for each child enrolled and helps implement individualized educational plans tailored to each child’s specific needs in order to focus on the skills needed to enhance the development of that child.

Reggio Approach

The Reggio approach is an innovative exemplary model program located in Reggio, Emilia Italy. When using the Reggio approach, space plays a powerful role in learning. The environment becomes the third teacher. The space children occupy is carefully arranged to encourage relationships, making choices, problem solving and discoveries. A well-planned space or classroom contributes to a sense of well-being and security in children.

This approach to education provides a wonderful experience for all children no matter their ability level. By allowing them to explore their environment and by using art as a medium, children have a variety of ways to express themselves. With supervision and support from adults, children learn naturally at their own pace. The learning possibilities are limitless and children will go as far as their minds will take them. Another strength of this approach is that there are no right or wrong answers. Children learn simply by doing and experiencing – while they grow educationally, socially and emotionally.

Inclusion

Our classrooms include both typically developing children as well as those with special needs. Research shows that developmentally delayed children gain skills faster and are more easily transitioned into the public school setting if they interact with typically developing children at a young age. Typical children also benefit, as they learn to accept and value individual differences.

Low Teacher-to-Child Ratio

Each classroom has two fully qualified teachers and no more than three to five students per teacher, depending on age. These low ratios ensure that every child receives the one-on-one instruction and help they need to participate fully in classroom activities.

Adaptive Aids and Equipment

We have a wide variety of adaptive equipment – from communication touch boards for children with language impairments to tricycles with hand pedals for children who cannot use their lower body muscles.

On-Site Pediatric Nurse

For our children with ongoing medical conditions which require regular professional attention, such as medication, recurrent seizures, feeding problems and asthma, as well as for the general health of all students, we have a registered pediatric nurse (RN, CPN) on staff.

On-Site Therapy

Rather than having parents and their children drive from one therapy appointment to another, many of our licensed therapists – including speech, physical, occupational and others – come to the center, a familiar and comfortable environment for the child, for one-on-one sessions.

Support Services

Our program includes a Social Service Coordinator who helps families transition into the center, links children to services specific to their needs, and monitors the needs of th e families. The center also provides educational sessions and a resource library for parents.

Parent and Family Support

We not only prepare our children for life beyond The Elaine Clark Center, but we also educate and arm parents with the tools they’ll need to lobby and advocate for their children in the future. We maintain a library of books, videos and other information on child development, disabilities and local networks and resources. Also, our Social Services Coordinator works closely with individual families to make sure that they get the resources they need.

Financial Assistance

Because every child in need deserves a quality early intervention program, The Elaine Clark Center offers scholarships to families that demonstrate financial need.