ECLC of NJ News

Parent Education Workshops Offered!

ECLC is like a big family, and so it’s important for us to provide information and support to our parents!

We are pleased to announce our annual workshop series to our own families and to anyone who has students with special needs. All parents are welcome to attend and learn from professionals on a variety of topics, whether or not they have a child enrolled at one of our schools.

Workshops are offered at our Chatham school, 21 Lum Avenue, and our Ho-Ho-Kus school, 302 North Franklin Turnpike.

Continue reading “Parent Education Workshops Offered!” →
ECLC of NJ News

Chatham School Building Turns 100!

In 1922, as Chatham Borough, along with the entire world, was coming out of a horrible pandemic, there was some a sliver of news: a new school building opened at 21 Lum Avenue.

The new building replaced the borough’s original school, located just yards away, which today serves as the municipal building. It was built to serve youngsters in the somewhat new community of Chatham Borough, which had seceded from Chatham Township only 23 years prior in 1897.

Welcome back to 21 Lum!
Guests are asked to please RSVP at: https://forms.gle/DtQPzKk2VnJsNJEo9.
Continue reading “Chatham School Building Turns 100!” →
ECLC of NJ News

Summer Program Keeps Students on Track!

While many students countdown to the summer months of no schoolwork. Our students with special needs continued in the classroom through Aug. 1, and they couldn’t have been happier about it!

student enjoys ECLC summer program
A Ho-Ho-Kus school student takes a session with the occupational therapist as part of the Extended School Year (ESY) program.

ECLC offers what is known as an Extended School Year (ESY) program at both our Chatham and Ho-Ho-Kus schools.

Most students attend as prescribed by their Individual Education Plan (IEP). The program is critical so students don’t backslide. They enjoy an August “break” for vacation and other leisure, but it’s practically a year-around program to ensure every student’s success.

Continue reading “Summer Program Keeps Students on Track!” →
ECLC of NJ News

Matt Kuzdral Named Region 1 Related Services Provider of the Year

We are thrilled to announce that Matt Kuzdral, the Ho-Ho-Kus school Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), has been named the Region 1 Related Services Provider of the Year by ASAH. (This is the umbrella association for schools and agencies serving students with special needs.)

Matt Kuzdral, Ho-Ho-Kus school Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)
Matt Kuzdral, Ho-Ho-Kus school Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

He was competing with other professionals across North Jersey and now goes onto vie for a state title later this year!

We are not surprised by Kuzdral’s win. He is an incredibly strong advocate for our students. For students with special needs, the road to independence is often blocked by challenging and sometimes severe maladaptive behaviors. These behaviors may be their only mode of communication, making it extremely difficult for them to advocate for themselves in a positive manner. He offers compassion and kindness to break down barriers to communication, leading to more positive behaviors.

Continue reading “Matt Kuzdral Named Region 1 Related Services Provider of the Year” →
ECLC of NJ News

The Gift of an Extra Year

This holiday season, the Cabrales family of Elizabeth is counting their blessings because of a choice offered to Daniel, 21.

Daniel is diagnosed with autism and for the past 12 years has attended ECLC of New Jersey’s school in Chatham for students with special needs. Last June, Daniel was on track to graduate, after reaching age 21. But under a new state law, he was allowed to stay in school for an extra year.

student Daniel Cabrales
Daniel Cabrales walked in the June graduation ceremony, but he was able to return to school for another year to make up for lost learning during 2020.

“It was definitely the best choice for him,” said his older sister, Geovanna. “He wants to be in school for the rest of his life. That’s what he knows and that’s where he’s comfortable with his friends.”

The bipartisan state law signed by Gov. Murphy in June allowed students with special needs an extension on their education because of the disruptions to learning and work-place training that occurred in 2020.

Continue reading “The Gift of an Extra Year” →