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EBC’s Andrea Chase Honored as Direct Care Worker of the Year 2024
Esther B. Clark Schools Shine at Award Ceremony
On January 16, 2024, in the heart of Savannah, Georgia, at the 2024 National Association of Private Special Education Centers Conference, Esther B. Clark Schools’ Classroom Assistant, Andrea Chase, stepped into a well-deserved spotlight as she was named the Direct Care Worker of the Year. The recognition was a stunning surprise for Chase, who, weeks earlier, was taken aback during a routine staff meeting at Esther B. Clark Schools (EBC). Her colleagues joyfully revealed the news of her nomination and subsequent win, leaving her in a surreal fog of gratitude.
EBC, one of three schools at Children’s Health Council (CHC), is renowned for its transformative education for Bay Area students in grades K-10 with emotional and behavioral challenges. EBC Educational Services Manager Sarah Knepper expressed her elation, emphasizing Chase’s understanding of her role. “Andrea is one of those people who grasps intuitively what’s required of the job. She’s always seeking support and coming up with creative lesson plans to engage students. She thinks outside the box, whether it’s an art class or finding a creative solution to a problem.”
“Andrea is one of those people who grasps intuitively what's required of the job. She's always seeking support and coming up with creative lesson plans to engage students. She thinks outside the box, whether it's an art class or finding a creative solution to a problem.” —Sarah Knepper, EBC Educational Services Manager
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With four and a half years of dedication as a classroom assistant at EBC, Chase sees the award as a testament to the support and validation she feels within the school. Prior to joining EBC, Chase spent 13 years as a literacy teaching assistant in the Palo Alto Unified School District, eventually discovering the EBC position at a career fair. Starting with EBC’s K-2nd graders, she eventually transitioned to working with middle school students, earning her place as one of the cherished team members.
Describing her role at EBC, Chase shared, “There is no typical day for any of us. We have to expect the unexpected.” She emphasized the importance of meeting students’ basic needs first, citing programs like breakfast club to ensure students are ready to engage in academics.
Andrea Chase at the 2023 EBC Art Show
EBC is a non-public school (NPS) certified by the state of California to provide special education services. This status allows for public school districts to work with EBC when the district is unable to accommodate a student’s needs. With campuses in Palo Alto and San Jose, EBC has been a trusted partner to 50+ school districts across the San Francisco Bay Area since 1980. Due to the scarcity of NPS schools, families often travel long distances to have their children attend, with some EBC students commuting from as far as Contra Costa County. The school stands out with its emphasis on a family-centered approach, which is evident in weekly updates between parents and staff to discuss their child’s progress, fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
Chase attributes her success to the supportive environment at EBC, emphasizing the importance of listening and learning to effectively support the students. One of the more rewarding experiences for Chase is working with children one-on-one. “When I get to work individually with a student, it’s very satisfying — to be able to break down whatever assignment or lesson they’re working on, and just help them step by step to increase their confidence level about whatever it is, math, language arts, science. I can see it’s hard for them, so when they get it, it’s golden. Those little breakthroughs are so special.”
“When I get to work individually with a student, it's very satisfying — I can see it's hard for them, so when they get it, it's golden. Those little breakthroughs are so special.” —Andrea Chase, EBC Classroom Assistant
The school’s effective use of their Positive Behavior Teaching system and a “well-oiled machine” teamwork approach has created a dynamic learning environment. EBC staff, teachers, and students utilize this rewards-based system, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability throughout each day.
Chase and other EBC staff recognize that students come from diverse backgrounds and home environments, and present with a wide range of challenges. The school’s commitment to support extends beyond academics, with staff contributing to a “caring closet” containing essential supplies, along with gift cards, for families in need.
Knepper describes EBC as a wonderful yet challenging environment, acknowledging the emotional toll of working in the mental health field. She commends Chase for her understanding and support, emphasizing the importance of being present in this demanding line of work.
When one of the EBC students was in disbelief that his teacher was absent from school to receive an award, Chase proudly showed him the program booklet from the conference. He happily congratulated her with a big high-five. The award is not just a win for Chase, but also a symbol of resilience and perseverance that resonates throughout the entire EBC community. Congratulations, Andrea Chase, from all of us at CHC.
If you are interested in supporting CHC’s Esther B. Clark Schools, please contact us at advancement@chconline.org.
