[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 10098-10099]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER OF CHATHAM 25TH ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 12, 2014

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the time to 
congratulate the Early Childhood Learning Center in Chatham for its 25 
years of service.
  The ECLC is an accredited, non-profit organization that strives to 
educate students ages 5 to 21 with moderate to severe learning and/or 
language disabilities.
  In 1970, a group of devoted parents formed the ECLC of New Jersey as 
a means of providing early intervention services to pre-school 
children. By 1983 the ECLC expanded its services to offer classes for 
children up to age 16. Today the ECLC accepts over 700 students in New 
Jersey. The Chatham Campus alone educates over 220 students; plus 26 
adult clients in enrichment classes. This organization has come a long 
way from its small six-student pre-school.
  The success of this organization can be attributed to its innovative 
and extensive programs. ECLC takes a unique approach to education by 
promoting self-sufficiency and success. The pre-vocational program 
called SKIL (Seeking Knowledge for Independent Living) teaches 
appropriate work-related behaviors and places students in volunteer 
jobs in the community. Students have the opportunity to participate in 
after-school activities, such as bowling, sleepovers, and dinner and a 
movie, where they can have fun with friends, instead of watching from 
the sidelines. Because of the small classroom sizes, the students 
receive the attention they need. The student-teacher ratio at the 
schools is 4:1 with the maximum number of 12 students per class. As a 
result of this intimate environment, the students feel comfortable to 
learn and explore.
  Graduates of the ECLC participate in Alumni Activities, which give 
them a chance to get together with old friends by participating in 
dances, bingo, or movie night. The relationships made at the ECLC do 
not end once the students graduate, and the ECLC seeks to promote these 
bonds. In addition to Alumni Activities, Community Personnel Services, 
helps graduates find jobs in their home communities and coaches them to 
success. Evening Adult Enrichment classes are offered to alumni to 
further their education in subjects, such as computers, cooking, 
painting, reading, and banking, so they can continue their path of 
learning for an independent future.

[[Page 10099]]

  The men and women at the ECLC of Chatham deserve both recognition and 
praise. Without these hard working and dedicated individuals, the ECLC 
would not be as successful as it is today. They help our fellow 
citizens become independent and educated despite mental challenges. For 
25 years, these committed individuals have worked both in the classroom 
and behind the scenes to ensure that their students lead happy and 
meaningful lives. The Foundation raises money with their annual fund-
raising events, which include gala dinners organized by staff and 
parents; a summer golf outing; and the Chatham Jaycees ``Fishawack'' 4-
mile run. The enthusiasm and dedication of the ECLC teachers and staff 
ensure the future success of this important organization.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Early Childhood Learning Center in Chatham as it celebrates its 
25th Anniversary.

                          ____________________