| CHIME was started as a model demonstration project funded by the U.S. Department of Education. Originally, it was known as the Community Honoring Inclusive Model Education (CHIME) Project. The goal of the CHIME Project was to develop an effective model for providing special educational services at an existing child development program. The CHIME Project was housed at the Associated Students/Children's Center at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), and funded for a three-year period from October 1987 through September 1990.
The CHIME Institute was established as a private nonprofit corporation in August 1990 to continue the work of the CHIME Project using local funds. Its Preschool Inclusion Program was started at that time serving children from 3 to 6 years of age. The CHIME Institute Infant and Toddler Program, established in 1991, serves children from birth through age 3 and their families. The CHIME Charter Elementary School was established in fall 2001 and serves children from kindergarten through 5th grade. The CHIME Charter Middle School opened fall 2003 serving students in 6th and 7th grades and expanded to 8th grade in fall 2004. The CHIME Institute is overseen by a Board of Directors comprised of CSUN faculty, parents, and community members.
|
