The Children's Institute Celebrates 50 Years of Educating Those with Disabilities and Over a Century of Helping Children in Need

Hattie Segal recounted her memory of the creation of what is today The Children's Institute: "In 1962, I was attending a Board meeting of an organization called the Hebrew Orphanage, which for forty years previously had been helping homeless and orphaned children. Now, we were discussing the fact that these services were no longer needed and we could close the orphanage. But the question was asked- what can we do with this beautiful building and with the funds that remained? Because these people cared about children, they formed a search committee to see if there were children in need of help. It's hard to believe now, but fifty years ago, there were no schools for children with special needs. There was literally no place for them to go. Once the need was identified, the Board said, "Let's do that." And The Children's Institute was on its way. So that is how it started - by a small group of people who believed very strongly that every child has the right to an education."

In January, 1963, the orphanage known as The Hebrew Orphanage and Child Care Center, changed its name to The Children's Institute and opened its doors. Milestones since then have included:

• In the 1970's, The Beadleston Act was passed and tuition funding for TCI students started to become available from sending school districts. As early as 1970 Hattie Segal was writing to State Senator Beadleston, lobbying for the legislation. Before the passage of this legislation, the entire TCI budget was covered by private fund raising.
• In 1974, The Children's Institute moved into Stone End, on South Ridgewood Road in South Orange, NJ.
• The need for fund raising to support the fledgling school led to the creation of The Friends of The Children's Institute in 1974.
• In 1975, the school receives a grant in honor of the preschool program from Ruth Kohn Community service organization.
• In 1981, Bruce Ettinger became Executive Director. Dr. Ettinger is currently the CEO/Superintendent of The Children's Institute.
• In 1986, the Philip E. Ritter Library is dedicated.
• 1988 - The Children's Institute celebrates their Silver Anniversary with over 80 students enrolled.
• Early to mid-90's - TCI looks for a new home, having outgrown the Old Rd., Squiretown School in Livingston, NJ. Walter Mintz, TCI Board President, subsequently secures One Sunset Avenue, Verona, an abandoned research facility, as a gift, from Hoffman-LaRoche.
• In 1999, TCI moves into the new Verona facility, complete with $7 million in renovations.
• In 2000 TCI achieves its enrollment goal of 160 students.
• 2002 - TCI achieves National Commission of Special Education Services (NCASES) accreditation from the National Association of Private special Education Centers (NAPSEC).
• 2003 - TCI celebrates 120 years since its founding, 80 years since its incorporation and 40 years as a special education school.
• 2012 - TCI moves its high school and young adult program to a renovated facility in Livingston, NJ and opens The Center for Independence for adults with autism and related disabilities also in Livingston.

Today The Children's Institute serves students ages 3 to adult with autism and related disabilities, in two state-of-the-art locations. The facility at One Sunset Avenue, Verona houses preschool, elementary and middle school students and a second facility, located at Six Regent Street, in Livingston, services high school and young adults. The Center for Independence, also located at Six Regent Street, serves adults with autism and related learning and emotional disabilities. Students from seven northern NJ counties make up the student bodies of both facilities. Each student is provided with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), complete with subtle supports to help them to succeed and achieve independence in their own communities.