St. Clair Catholic Welcomes Children’s Treatment Centre as Program Partner for Autism Transitional Classroom

The St. Clair Catholic District School Board and Children's Treatment Centre of Chatham-Kent are 
pleased to announce a new partnership that will 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 (ATC) at St. Angela Merici 
Catholic School. The ATC provides short-term placements for Chatham-Kent students aged 4 to 12 
diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), 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 St. Clair Catholic 
District School Board. Students in the ATC 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,” says 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.” 

This 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,” says 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.”