Education, Careers & Lifelong Community
Who We Are
ECLC stands for offering “Education, Careers & Lifelong Community” to children and adults with special needs, including autism, Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. ECLC was launched in 1970 as the “Early Childhood Learning Centers of New Jersey” by a group of parents and others to provide early-intervention services to a handful of pre-school children. Today, we serve more adult clients than students and that number increases with each graduating class!
Over the past 50 years, the ECLC logo has been updated to reflect the shift into adult services, but the mission and vision remain the same.
ECLC is an accredited, nonprofit, educating students ages 5–21 with severe learning and/or language disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome or multiple disabilities at two schools.
A separate entity called Community Personnel Services (CPS) provides post-graduate transition services and job placements to any special-needs adult, while another offshoot, the PRIDE program, offers vocational training, independent living skills and more. Our Vision: To empower and enable the individuals we serve to achieve their maximum potential and enhance their quality of life.
Our History
From humble beginnings to serving hundreds of individuals with special needs across New Jersey
ECLC is Founded
A group of committed parents established the Early Childhood Learning Center to provide early intervention services to a handful of pre-school children with special needs.
Expansion of Services
ECLC expanded to serve school-age children, developing specialized educational programs for students with autism, Down syndrome, and developmental disabilities.
CPS is Created
Community Personnel Services (CPS) was established as a non-profit supported employment agency to help graduating students transition into successful employment in integrated community settings.
ECLC Foundation Established
The ECLC Foundation was created to provide supplemental funding for scholarships, after-school programming, adult programs, and enrichment activities.
Two School Locations
ECLC expanded to operate two specialized schools in Chatham and Ho-Ho-Kus, serving students ages 5-21 with individualized education programs.
PRIDE Program Launched
The PRIDE adult program was introduced, offering pre-vocational training, independent living skills, and community participation for ECLC alumni and other adults with special needs.
50th Anniversary
ECLC celebrated 50 years of service, now serving nearly 800 students and adults annually through our schools and adult programs. The name evolved to represent “Education, Careers & Lifelong Community.”
Serving 800+ Individuals
ECLC continues to grow, providing comprehensive lifelong services including two schools, supported employment through CPS, adult day programs through PRIDE, and support coordination services for individuals and families.
