The Manhattan Childrens Center, a private school for children with autism spectrum disorder and related neuro diversities, is expanding with a new campus on the Upper West Side. With dynamic educational spaces that expose students to real-world situations, the new campus will be a leader among private schools creating intentional spaces for students to hone vocational skills. MCC’s latest development includes plans for a student-operated and educator-led café called Bear’s Bloomin’ Bakery.
Thomas Gelb is the founder of the Manhattan’s Children’s Center (MCC). What Now NY was not able to immediately reach Gelb for a comment.
The overall MCC development project will create a third campus for the organization. While MCC’s current locations are designed for students at 5 through 15, this new campus is tailored to the needs of older students transitioning into adulthood. Part of the resources that MCC will provide at this new location will be job training opportunities through Bear’s Bloomin’ Bakery.
MCC’s team will help guide students through the experience of working in a café. Internships will be designed to familiarize students with vocational skills that can be a gateway to independence. Bear’s Bloomin’ Bakery will be a learning environment for older students of all abilities.
Ilovetheupperwestside.com reports that Bear’s Bloomin’ Bakery will take over the space once used by Daniello’s Pizza.
According to MCC’s website, $300,000 will go towards making the bakery into a reality. A video walkthrough with renderings of the MCC bakery features a small bar with seating and display cases for baked goods.
No word at this time as to when Bear’s Bloomin’ Bakery will be completed.
