Partners in Learning's mission is to model the highest quality learning environment that stimulates families and the community to provide optimal growth and development of children. Founded in 1996, their vision is that families and the community will have the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute significantly to the optimal growth and development of children. Based in Salisbury, Partners in Learning works with families in Rowan and surrounding counties and provides statewide advocacy.
Partners In Learning strives for equity in our society by being an inclusive education center. We work with students with disabilities and their families to meet their unique needs. Students with special needs are placed in classrooms with their peers and are included in all activities. We strive for a world where this will be the norm for all students with special needs. With our 20 years working with students with special needs and their families, we have learned just how vast this need is in Rowan County. With over 140 children on our waiting list, we know that our community is in need of high-quality early childcare and education for students of all ability levels.
Partners In Learning is accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). NAEYC offers a national, voluntary accreditation system to set professional standards for early childhood education programs, and to help families identify high-quality programs. NAEYC Accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. Partners In Learning is one of only 112 accredited programs out of over 9,000 in North Carolina and in the 8% nationally. Research shows a direct correlation between high-quality early learning and children's positive long-term outcomes in life, including increased educational attainment, healthier lifestyles, and more successful careers. NAEYC Accreditation helps teachers and other staff at early learning programs develop a shared understanding and commitment to quality. Our core year-round program includes all day inclusive early care and education for 260 children ages six weeks through five years, including inclusive classrooms for over 50 children with special needs. We offer in home developmental therapy for 150 children weekly, family support services, in home Triple P parenting sessions, and support groups and trainings for parents of children with special needs. We also offer after-school programs and a summer enrichment program for school-age children up to age 12. Partners In Learning is recognized as a model site for high-quality early care, education, and intervention services. Teachers and directors from all over the state visit to observe and learn from our highly regarded programs. We also have a behavioral specialist who visits area early education centers to provide support and training to teachers who have children with challenging behaviors or special needs.
As we grew and met more families, we learned that families needed support just as much as their children. We started Triple P parenting classes for families who need extra support. Currently, we have 9 accredited practitioners and all classes are provided one-on-one in the homes or where the families reside. We have a contract with DSS and collaborate with the Department of Juvenile Justice to serve their families as well. These classes have helped parents keep their children and empower parents to provide the appropriate support for their children. With over 140 students on our waiting list, we have a need for additional classrooms and services. We are beginning a capital campaign to build a larger site that is accessible for students of all ability levels.
See Partners in Learning in action!
