The St. Clair Catholic District School Board and the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent have announced a new partnership meant to help ensure students of all abilities have access to a learning environment with the resources they need to grow and succeed.
Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent will serve as the program partner for St. Clair Catholic’s Autism Transitional Classroom at St. Angela Merici Catholic School. The classroom provides short-term placements for Chatham-Kent students aged 4 to 12 diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, with a focus on implementing strategies that support a successful transition to their home school.
Up to six students will be learning in the classroom at one time. The program team consists of a Special Education Principal, a Program Resource Consultant, a Program Resource Teacher and two Education Assistants, with consultation provided by a Registered Behaviour Analyst from the school board. Students in the classroom will also receive speech and language, physiotherapy and occupational therapy from practitioners at the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent as a partner in this important program,” said Jen Morrow, Superintendent of Student Achievement for St. Clair Catholic. “Students entering the Autism Transitional Classroom need specialized programming built into every part of their instructional day to help them learn and maintain new skills. This partnership will help ensure they receive the support they need through our shared commitment of helping students thrive.”
The partnership aligns with the mission of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent to provide specialized therapy and innovative programs to empower children, youth and their families to reach their individual potential.
“We are proud to partner with the St. Clair Catholic District School Board to support students in the Autism Transitional Classroom,” said Donna Litwin-Makey, Chief Executive Officer of the Children’s Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent. “We hope to help create opportunities for student success, within both the classroom and the broader school community. By bringing together our specialized expertise and working collaboratively with educators and families, we can provide individualized supports that build on each student’s strengths to help them develop the skills and confidence they need to reach their full potential.”
