Local United Cerebral Palsy School Recognized for Excellence

Once is good. Twice is nicer.

For the second year in a row, the Melvin J. Larson Education Center—a division of the United Cerebral Palsy school program of Will County—has been recognized by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) as a School of Excellence.

And that puts the Melvin J. Larson Education Center is elite company.

Seventeen schools or agencies across the country currently are consecutive-year recipients of the NASET award.

“I am very pleased that our school program has earned this recognition for two consecutive years,” said Dr. Jim Mullins, President and CEO of UCP, in a news release. “I commend Sue Knaperek and her staff for their daily commitment to deliver quality programs and support for our students. They work to make meaningful days for each and every child in our program.”

United Cerebral Palsy, which serves the counties of Will, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, Ford, Iroquois and LaSalle, was founded in 1955. UCP is a non-profit organization which provides the area’s only Day School Program for children with both profound and developmental disabilities and serious medical issues.

Currently, UCP—located at 311 S. Reed St., Joliet—serves more than 400 students and clients throughout its service area.

“The recognition as a NASET School of Excellence is bestowed on private special education schools that have met rigorous professional criteria and have demonstrated truly exceptional dedication, commitment and achievement in the field of special education,” according to Dr. Roger Pierangelo and Dr. George Giuliani, executive directors of NASET.