The Elaine Clark Center for the Growth and Development of Exceptional Children in Chamblee recently announced it has merged with Heart of Hope Academy For Children With Special Needs in Sandy Springs.

This merger marks the final step of a five-year strategic plan whose goal was to expand its programs and continue to assist special needs children during their transition into adulthood.

“Since 1969 The Elaine Clark Center has helped thousands of children with many different developmental needs,” said Angela Matthiessen, founder and board chair of Heart of Hope.

“They are the model for special education and therapeutic play, and we are so excited to be merging with such a reputable program.

This creates a one-of-a-kind program that serves children with disabilities from infancy to adulthood. We are excited to create this for Atlanta.”

The NAEYC-accredited Elaine Clark Center is located at 5130 Peachtree Industrial Boulevard in Chamblee. With the help of donations of services and a fundraising campaign, community volunteers spent the summer renovating the childcare center.

In August Heart of Hope was completely moved in to the new facility and open for the new school year.

“This merger was designed to provide the best practice, fully accredited early intervention, education and pre-vocation in one location,” said Beth Schmeling, executive director of the Elaine Clark Center.

“It enables us to provide a financially cost-effective strategy to combine services, professional equity and use of available funding.”