“It’s a really critical program to help students with complex learning needs,” he said.
Construction is underway on the new structure, which will be about 20 per cent larger than the old one and will include meeting and office space.
The centre provides support for students of elementary- and middle-school age who need extra social and emotional help. That can include students struggling with social dynamics who might be having challenges settling in the classroom, or those dealing with anxiety or difficulty controlling emotions, Eberwein said.
“It could be a bunch of things so students that require that extra level of mental-health support,” he said. “We’re able to provide it at the CDC building.”