About Exceptional Care and Training Center

About Exceptional Care & Training Center Mission and Values / Eligibility Requirements / ECTC History / F.A.Q.

ECTC Mission and Values

ECTC exists to provide assistance and service to persons with developmental disabilities. ECTC plays a significant role in the delivery of health care services and programs, maximizing quality of life and independence, supporting community integration, providing an opportunity for self-determination and advocating for individual rights. Quality and excellence are fundamental to our services and we adhere to the highest professional standards in all activities and programs. ECTC strives to build and retain the trust of the people served by and employed by Exceptional Care and Training Center.

ECTC makes every effort to develop and maintain positive working relationships with families, communities and all agencies by being good citizens in all respects, by educating those around us through an effective public relations advocacy of the services delivered and by being open to independent criticism and evaluation. ECTC is a fair and progressive employer, recognizing the rights and interests of our employees as individuals, offering wages and benefits that are competitive within existing economic conditions and striving to provide employees with good, safe working conditions. ECTC encourages the free exchange of information among employees and fosters improvement in skills through participation in available educational programs and professional organizations.

Management is committed to the highest standards of professional conduct in operating the facility and in providing dependable, up-to-date services. This is done so that ECTC can maintain a reputation of excellence with the persons served, their families, our employees and the community.

Eligibility Requirements

The Admissions Committee will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's medical history and physical and psycho-social factors. Considerations weighed by our Admissions Committee include:

Age*
Ambulatory status
Level of functioning
Medical condition
Behavior
Discharge potential

All applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be dependent in four or more of the following areas:

a. Motor Development
b. Dressing Skills
c. Grooming Skills
d. Toileting Skills
e. Eating Skills
f. Language Development
g. Productive Capacity
Be able to benefit from skilled nursing care and a rehabilitation program. Requiring continuous skilled nursing care and medical supervision for complicated conditions, chronic long term or recurring medical conditions, such as:

a. Uncontrolled seizure activity
b. Gastronomy
c. Tracheotomy
d. Immune compromised
e. Respiratory issues
Complete authorized forms to obtain additional required information.

An admission is considered weighing all characteristics to determine the need for placement. *The facility is licensed as a skilled pediatric facility, however, applicants/residents over age 22 will be considered if the Admission Committee (IDT) determines that either initial or continued placement in the facility is appropriate because of the applicant/resident’s physical and mental functioning status, and that the facility has the service resource to meet the needs of the applicant/resident. The Admission Committee shall further determine that placement does not constitute a serious danger to the other residents.

For more information about our admission criteria, individual rights, and privacy practices, please call
815-626-5820.

ECTC History

Our organization's commitment to the continuity of care inspired the founding of ECTC. Exceptional Care & Training Center (ECTC) was established in December 1979 to be an alternative placement for those individuals who "age-out" of other skilled pediatric facilities when they turn 18 years of age. While some of our residents have come from home, most of our residents have come from one of our sister facilities - Walter Lawson's Children's Home in Loves Park, Illinois or Swann Special Care Center in Champaign, Illinois.

When we first opened our doors, we served both children and adults. In 1991, in response to the national trend of increased longevity among persons with severe/profound mental retardation, ECTC changed its admitting age to 18 to focus primarily on adults. Since our original program served persons of all ages, an on-site educational program was established to meet our residents’ needs. In 1991 our focus on day training was instituted. In 1994 when the last resident turned 18, the school was disbanded but the day training program continued.

ECTC is licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health as a Skilled Nursing Facility for persons under 22. Skilled Pediatric Facilities (SNF/PEDs) provide for long-term care needs of chronically ill children and infants with serious or complex medical needs and developmental disabilities. Our surveyors have noted that ECTC provides high quality services in a loving atmosphere to each of our residents.

We subscribe to the philosophy that every person is unique and has the right to develop to his/her greatest potential. Our active treatment is based on increasing independent skills, developing decision making skills and encouraging choices. The health and safety of our residents have been assured by three decades of stability and trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to live at ECTC to be a participant in the Day Training Program?

No. Participation in either the residential or day training program is not contingent upon the other. Residents of ECTC are automatically eligible for participation in the day training program, but day training participants do not have to reside at ECTC. If a resident of ECTC is appropriate for a less restrictive day training program, placement may be sought elsewhere. Our staff is experienced at assisting individuals in obtaining the services they need.

If I know someone who is appropriate for ECTC program(s), what do I need to do?

ECTC works with many different sources when it comes to placement. We accept referrals from the individual/family as well as outside agencies that assist people with obtaining placement. Services shall be available to persons deemed appropriate according to the above specifications and without regard to color, race or national origin.

How do I find out about your survey history?

Surveys are made available to the public. You may request copies at the business office. Survey results are also posted in the newsletters and at the IDPH website.

Is there a waiting list?

Yes. We currently have a waiting list at our facility. However, some of those on our waiting list are still living at home are not ready to move in or are under 18. When we evaluate someone for placement, we consider the urgency of their need for placement and whether we can meet his/her needs. For further information regarding placement, contact Karla Belzer, Program Director.

What do I do if I want a tour?

It is best to call to make an appointment for someone to provide a tour, although this is not necessary. Tours are scheduled at your convenience, but during visiting hours 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

If you are licensed as a "Skilled Pediatrics" facility, why do you have residents over age 18?

Originally, we offered services to children and young adults, however, many of our residents surpassed their life expectancy but found that once they "aged out" they did not have an available skilled nursing facility appropriate for their needs. After awhile, we found that we had more "adults" than we did children. We provide services to those with the greatest need. If the IDT determines that placement or continued placement in our facility is appropriate, then their age is irrelevant.

How are staff qualified?

We provide annual and as needed training and supervision for all of our staff. We go above and beyond license requirements with our training program. Competency exams are required annually.

What is the staffing ratio?

The ratio will depend upon the time of day. We have certified Resident Care Specialists (RCS) who work 6a-2p (1st shift); 2p-10p (2nd shift); 10p-6a (3rd shift). We also have an overlapping day training staff 8:30a-5p. The RCS staff are enhanced (or augmented) by Resident Attendants (RAs). And we have 3 nurses on 1st and 2nd shifts and 2 nurses on 3rd. Therefore our ratio is generally:
a.m. care: 1:4 Day Training: 1:3 p.m. care: 1:5