ECTC's 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. 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 nearly three decades of stability and trust.