FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dona Prindle
Announcing the Opening of EASTCONN CDT Program in Willimantic and New Location for EASTCONN Bridges Community School:
Two specialized programs find new homes to better serve students across Northeastern Connecticut
Willimantic, CT – EASTCONN is pleased to announce the opening of EASTCONN CDT (Clinical, Developmental, and Therapeutic) Program for the 2025-2026 school year. Located at 832 Main Street in Willimantic, the new facility represents a thoughtful renovation of the former Path Academy building and marks an exciting new chapter in specialized education for Northeastern Connecticut.
The innovative EASTCONN CDT Program brings together two well-established EASTCONN programs: the Northeast Regional Program (NRP) from Danielson and the Educational and Vocational Center (EVC) from Columbia. This consolidation creates enhanced opportunities for collaboration and resource sharing while maintaining the high-quality, individualized support for which both programs are known.
EASTCONN CDT Program serves approximately 60 students in grades K-12 who thrive in highly structured, supportive, therapeutic environments designed to foster both academic excellence and behavioral growth. The program's mission centers on empowering students by helping them develop the academic, social, emotional, and behavioral skills necessary to successfully transition back to their local public schools or move to less restrictive educational settings.
“We’re excited to bring these programs together in a space specifically designed to help each student reach their potential,” says Amy Margelony, Director of Education Services. “Our goal is to give students the tools and confidence they need to succeed, whether that's returning to their home school or taking their next step forward."
EASTCONN Bridges Community School Relocates
In related news, EASTCONN Bridges Community School has relocated to 14 Route 66 in Columbia, the former home of the Educational and Vocational Center (EVC). Bridges Community School provides a regionally based, comprehensive, integrated service program for students with autism and other low-incidence disabilities, serving ages PreK-22.
The program provides highly structured, one-on-one instruction tailored to each student's unique needs using proven behavioral teaching methods. Teachers use systematic approaches to help students learn new skills and apply them in different settings, with continuous assessment to track progress and adjust instruction as needed.
"These new facilities reflect our commitment to creating learning environments where every student can thrive,” says Eric S. Protulis, EASTCONN Executive Director. “By bringing our specialized programs into purpose-built spaces, we're ensuring that students receive the individualized support they need to achieve their goals."
Both EASTCONN CDT Program and Bridges Community School are accepting students for the 2025-2026 school year. If interested, contact Amy Margelony, Director of Education Services, at
EASTCONN is a public, non-profit Regional Educational Service Center that has been serving the education needs of northeastern Connecticut since 1980. EASTCONN provides a wide range of innovative programs and services that address the diverse needs of children, families, educators and communities.
