Programs and Admissions

At DLC, our attitude gives every child the opportunity to say “Yes, I can!”

DLC Overview

The Developmental Learning Center (DLC) provides year-round, high-quality education, nursing care, and therapeutic services for children of all abilities. Our goal is to support both children and families by creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential.

DLC proudly welcomes children with a wide range of diagnoses and medical needs, including Cerebral Palsy, Down syndrome, Spina Bifida, Autism, Fragile X Syndrome, genetic disorders, developmental delays, seizure disorders, congenital heart defects, HIE, Microcephaly, and craniofacial conditions such as cleft lip & palate and Treacher Collins Syndrome. Children who require g-tubes, apnea monitors, catheters, and other medical supports are also welcome.

Our comprehensive services include childcare, preschool, VPK, PPEC, extended day programs, registered nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, early intervention, and developmental screening. With low adult-to-child ratios, we are able to provide individualized attention and goal-based support for every child.

DLC has proudly served children and families in Jacksonville, Florida, since 1989. We offer classrooms for infants through age 5, including VPK for 4-year-olds, as well as after-school programs and summer care for children and youth up to age 22.

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The DLC Program

DLC has maintained a 5-Star Rating from the Early Learning Coalition of Duval County for nearly 20 years, reflecting our commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in early childhood education.

Our program is built on the belief that children with special needs are children first — full of potential waiting to be discovered, nurtured, and celebrated.

All Lead Teachers hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, and classroom staff complete 10–20 hours of continuing education annually through classes, workshops, conferences, and specialized training. Required trainings include Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), Shaken BabFy Syndrome (SBS), and Child Abuse & Neglect (CAN). Many members of our teaching team also hold Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degrees in related fields.

Our teachers strive to create classrooms that are warm, engaging, and joyful, where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn at their own pace.

All DLC staff are:

• First Aid and CPR certified
• Trained in seizure response and Epi-Pen administration
• Fully background-screened in accordance with state requirements

DLC also offers onsite nursing care, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, and Early Intervention services, based on Medicaid, commercial insurance, and/or private pay options.

We utilize the state-approved FunnyDafer curriculum, integrating age-appropriate learning experiences with faith-based classroom activities. Our classrooms are supplemented with the TrueWay Kids Bible curriculum, which focuses on helping children enjoy God’s Word and learn how to apply it in their daily lives.

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Getting Started at DLC

We know enrolling your child is an important decision, and we’re here to help make the process as smooth as possible.

DCL Provides

• Wipes
• Two daily snacks (morning and afternoon)
• Whole milk and juice

Families Provide

• Breakfast and Lunch
• Formula (including specialized milk and water, as discussed during intake)
• Diapers
• Completed physical form
• Up-to-date immunization records
• Written therapy prescriptions (if applicable)
• $80 enrollment fee
• Extra set of clothes
• Any required medications

Ready to Begin?

We invite families to contact us to learn more about enrollment, discuss your child’s needs, or schedule a tour of our campus. Call 904-387-0370 or email Enrollment@DLCJax.org

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Enrollment Checklist

• Completed Enrollment Packet
• Enrollment Fee $80
• Signed Contract for Tuition Agreement
• Shot Record/Physical Form from Pediatrician or Religious Exemption Form
• Therapy Scripts for any Therapy Services your child will need
• Doctor Orders for any medical procedures (daily oral medication, g-tube feeding, catheterization, etc.)
• Copy of Insurance Card (if applicable for therapy and nursing care)

How to enroll at DLC

We understand that choosing care for your child is a big decision. Our enrollment process is designed to be supportive, transparent, and family-centered.

• Step 1: Contact Us

  Reach out to our team to express interest in enrollment. We’ll gather basic information about your child and answer initial questions.

• Step 2: Schedule a Tour

  Families are required to visit DLC, tour our classrooms, and meet our staff. This is an opportunity to see our program in action and ask detailed questions about care, therapies, and daily routines. Email enrollment@DLCJax.org or call 904-387-0370.

• Step 3: Intake & Records Review

  Once a space is available, we’ll guide you through the intake process. This includes reviewing:

  • Medical and developmental history
  • Therapy needs and prescriptions (if applicable)
  • Insurance coverage (Medicaid, commercial insurance, or private pay)
  • Required health forms and immunization records

• Step 4: Enrollment & Start Date

  After all documentation is complete and the $80 enrollment fee is submitted, our team will confirm your child’s start date and help you prepare for a smooth transition.

  Our staff partners closely with families throughout the process to ensure every child’s needs are understood and supported.

Developmental Learning Center
School/Child Care and Special Education Tuition Fees

Sibling Discount