The Developmental Learning Center (DLC) is a faith-based special needs learning and childcare center nonprofit, where each child is taught at their own pace.
About DLC
Mission
Vision
Philosophy
History
Where it all began…
As a special education teacher in the Jacksonville, Florida public school system, Amy Buggle
chaired a committee to find
services for children with special needs. She found that day care was simply not available
for children with moderate to
severe unique needs. With the help of Murray Hill United Methodist Church, she left her
secure
teaching position and
founded DLC Nurse & Learn, offering special education services, physical therapy and
extended day care for children of
all abilities.
As more needs were identified as not being met in the community, Amy added more services. Children with medically complex situations were not allowed in the existing special needs programs, so DLC hired a registered nurse and medical assistants. Those children who were previously denied could now attend school and socialize with other children. This allowed the parents of these children who were forced to stay at home, some on welfare, the opportunity to attend high school, college or to work while their child was in a safe and productive environment.
Since 1989, the center has served students with special needs, from birth to 22 years of age. Children from birth to 6 years may attend a full day preschool program and students’ ages 3-21 may also attend before/after school for educational activities, therapy and medical care. Any child with a disability or medical problem, which prevents them from attending regular day care or other developmental preschools, is eligible for service. The children have a variety of disabilities including cerebral palsy, microcephaly, anencephaly, Down Syndrome, Arthrogryposis, tuberous sclerosis, Tay-Sachs disease, tracheostomy, gastronomy tube, seizure disorders, open kidneys, etc.
DLC now provides full-time nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and vision therapy. DLC has a volunteer program serving troubled youth, which allows them to fulfill community service hours and learn valuable lessons working one-on-one with disabled children. Many other youth also volunteer after school, on holidays and during the summer.
| DLC continues to provide full-time nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. In 2019, DLC celebrated 30 years of Miracles and Hope for serving the Jacksonville community and continuing to help special needs families. Mrs. Buggle retired in December 2019 to spend more time with her mom, husband, grandchildren, family and friends. Amy passed the reins to Heather Corey, who officially took over January 2020. Amy has recently published a memoir about her time at DLC and her personal faith. You can purchase the book on Amazon here. |
|
In 2021 DLC added music therapy with community partners and in 2022 added a collaboration effort to provide behavioral therapy. In 2023 DLC transitioned back to their original name concept of the Developmental Learning Center, however, our mission and vision remains the same!
Board of Directors
Aaron Noles
President, Prudential Financial
Terri Thomas
Vice President and Treasurer
Chris Gabbard
Secretary, University of North Florida
Board Members
- Debra Depto-Hoffman PT, DPT, University of North Florida
- Joe Honeycutt Retired Commercial Construction Development
- Ellen Light Baptist Health
- Terri Thomas City & Police Credit Union
- Dr. Richard Weaver DNP, MSN-Ed, RN, University of North Florida
Staff Leadership
-
Heather Corey, CFRE, Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer, BA in Business Administration; over 20 years in nonprofit industry, over 15 years in Senior Management, Certified Fund Raising Expert Certification (CFRE). Employed at DLC since February 2019. -
Annalaura Scott, CNA, Chief Programs Officer
Chief Programs Officer, CDA in Early Childhood, Maintains the Florida Child Care Director's License as well as a Florida Certified Nursing Assistant License. Employed with DLC since 2011. -
Sue Molina, RN, Director of Nursing
Registered Nurse, BS Degree in Nursing from the Chamberlain College of Nursing. Employed with DLC since 2019. -
Elizabeth Deutsch, Finance Manager
-
Carolyn Janzen, MHS, PT, Director of Therapy
Physical Therapist, Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy and a Master of Health Science degree with physical therapy emphasis on neurology and pediatrics. Employed with DLC since 2022. -
Elizabeth Goodrich, CNA, Assistant Program Director
Assistant Program Director, Associates Degree from FSCJ, Child Development Associate Credentials and Director's Credentials. Employed with DLC since 2013.
Additional Professional Staff
-
Lauren Blunk Foote
Certified Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
Employed with DLC since 2022. -
Rachel Ybarra
Occupational Therapist
Employed with DLC since 2023. -
Karen Miller
Registered Nurse
Employed with DLC since 2021.
For any enrollment information or to set up a tour, email Enrollment@DLCjax.org
Winter 2022-23
