DOWNINGTOWN, PA — In a progressive move that redefines the panorama of education in Chester County, the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) this week announced transformative initiatives changing the face of educational services for children across the county and beyond.
In a commitment to the region’s students, the CCIU is investing in initiatives that cultivate innovative learning environments, expand opportunities and provide a launchpad for students to realize their potential. Emblematic of this is the purchase of property in eastern Chester County, earmarked to become the Child & Career Development Center (CCDC) Great Valley Campus, with doors set to open in September 2026.
Beyond being an extension of the CCDC Coatesville Campus, the Great Valley Campus will redefine special education programming for students aged 5-22. It is meticulously crafted to provide children with special needs cutting-edge educational experiences. The design meetings with special education experts and visits to the crème de la crème of facilities from North Jersey to Washington D.C have left no stone unturned.
“Acquiring and renovating buildings will allow us to create tailored environments that cater to the unique requirements of each learner, fostering accessibility and providing a foundation for their academic and personal success,” expressed Dr. George F. Fiore, CCIU executive director.
Integrating Biophilia design principles, the campus ensures scenic views and natural light, thereby fostering positive mental health. Safety remains a non-negotiable element with state-of-the-art features and a unique ramp system embedded to ensure community-wide accessibility.
However, the vision of CCDC’s Great Valley Campus stretches beyond academics. It aims to be a hub for holistic development. The campus includes community learning spaces and a designated County Cup location – a “to go” breakfast and lunch café providing volunteer and competitive employment to students with disabilities. Plus, the expansive outdoor recreation area promotes physical education, gross motor skills, and overall well-being.
Daniel F. Goffredo, Ed.D., superintendent of Great Valley School District, added, “We are very excited to have such programming in our part of the county, and we know it will undoubtedly help to shape the futures of many students.”
The renovation of the Fred S. Engle Middle School in the Avon Grove School District (AGSD) is another major milestone. The project is expected to be completed by May 2025. It will be home to the AGSD administration building, special education programming, and a preschool and migrant education classrooms.
The CCIU is also addressing the need for expanded space for Career, Technical & Customized Education (CTCE) programs with a lease for 1002 South Chestnut Street in Downingtown, which will house a new diesel mechanic program.
In the pipeline is a series of future capital projects which include upgrades to the CCIU Learning Center, Child & Career Development Center (CCDC) and Toddler Center in Coatesville, and renovations at the TCHS Brandywine Campus in Downingtown for the new sports medicine program.
“Chester County Intermediate Unit remains dedicated to creating a learning environment that fosters growth, innovation, and success for every student. These projects are pivotal steps toward realizing that vision,” concluded Fiore.
This visionary approach from the CCIU not only prepares its students for the future but also sets an example for the rest of the commonwealth, ushering in a bold new era in education.
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