Abigail was born with Spina Bifida and her mom was told that she would never walk on her own and that the best she could hope for was that Abigail would walk with braces. When 'Abby' was 9 months old, her mom became a single mother. And that was just the beginning of an uphill battle of navigating life hurdles and they both needed HOPE at this moment.

A friend recommended that mom should try DLC. With much reluctance, she enrolled Abby at DLC and was just hoping for the best for both of them during this tough time. In just one short year Abby has made more progress than her mom could have ever imagined. Abby has built strength in her legs and ankles and is not only crawling on her hands and knees but she can pull up on her own and CAN STAND WITH ASSISTANCE!

What has shocked mom even more is Abby's pride and joy in herself and her new mobility. According to her mom, it is apparent all over Abby's face each time she can do something for herself and she has become extremely independently minded. Abby has made true progress at DLC and mom is so thankful to the amazing teachers, therapists, and the support system at DLC. Mom says DLC is not just a daycare by any means and has changed both of their lives for the better. Mom knows DLC is where Abby belongs to have the opportunity to continue her journey.

Abby is now independently using her walker and transitioning to using crutches. Abby's success so far is filled with hope and miracles and we look forward to seeing where she goes on her journey at DLC.

Cherish's Story

As shared by her mom.

"Cherish has always been a smiling, loving and adventurous girl who never let anything get in her way of doing what she wanted to do. Cherish was diagnosed with exotropia also known as strabismus [a condition in which both eyes do not look at the same place at the same time] in August 2018. In November 2019, Cherish would have surgery to correct her vision, soon after we noticed she wasn't reaching normal milestones. She was then diagnosed with Hypotonia [a medical state of low muscle tone, often involving reduced muscle strength] and Global developmental delay in 2019.

Cherish previously received therapy at Wolfson's Children Rehab where one of the Physical Therapist referred us to DLC. We visited many different day cares and none of them seem to be the perfect fit for Cherish. We finally tried DLC in hope that Cherish would get the time, attention and help needed and we couldn't be happier!

Since starting DLC, Cherish has developed more confidence in herself. When Cherish first started at DLC, she could only crawl. While others doubted that she would walk, we always had faith that Cherish would walk on her own when she was ready because she always seems to do everything on her time. Cherish started walking using a gait trainer and is now standing and beginning to take more and more steps everyday independently.

We are excited to see how she will grow every day and we will continue to be grateful for each inch stone and milestone she accomplishes. We always stick by the quote that "You were assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved.""

A letter from Liam's former Preschool Teacher Annalaura Scott

Not all heroes wear capes. Some have Spina Bifida whose parents were told he would never walk, but ends up running 2 miles at the Gate River Run. That's a DLC Hero! When Liam started with DLC in August of 2013 he was just 21 months old, but he had a different birth story from you and I.

Liam has always been an extremely bright child who loved to learn and interact with his friends and teachers. One of Liam's biggest hurdles was getting around the classroom independently. He was unable to crawl on his own but with support from his family, DLC Teachers, and Therapists, Liam was pushed to gain strength, balance, and independence.

Watching Liam grow and learn while at DLC was an amazing experience. Liam has more determination than most people. He finally started crawling, pulling up, utilized the stander, gait trainer, walker, and 'go-go' sticks to eventually walking independently. Liam also graduated from the DLC VPK program fully walking on his own.

Liam, I am so proud of the young man you have grown into. You have always amazed me with your determination and strength. I pray you keep doing amazing things and I am so glad I was able to see your miracle and be a part of your early years. Keep pushing, do great, and stay sweet.

At the Developmental Learning Center (DLC), a leading Jacksonville special needs school, we believe every child’s story matters. Jenesis’ journey is a powerful example of what is possible when faith, perseverance, and integrated therapy education come together in one nurturing environment.

Born a Fighter

Jenesis was born on February 17, 2023, at just 22 weeks and 4 days, weighing only 1 pound, 1.3 ounces. Her early arrival brought significant medical challenges, including severe brain bleeding that placed her life at risk. She spent 138 days in the NICU, where her strength and her mother’s unwavering faith carried her through.

After being discharged, Jenesis began receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to address developmental delays caused by her premature birth. While she made progress, balancing therapy appointments, work schedules, and childcare became overwhelming for her family.

Her mother began searching for a special needs school in Jacksonville that could provide both education and therapy services in one place.

Discovering Integrated Therapy Education at DLC

In June 2025, Jenesis enrolled at the Developmental Learning Center, a faith-based special needs school in Jacksonville serving children ages 2 through 18.

What makes DLC unique is our integrated therapy education model. Students receive academic instruction alongside on-campus physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy, all woven seamlessly into the school day. This approach eliminates the stress of traveling to outside appointments and ensures children receive therapeutic support when they are most attentive and ready to learn.

For children who are medically complex or developmentally delayed, this comprehensive model creates consistency, stability, and measurable progress.

For Jenesis, it changed everything.

Breakthroughs Worth Celebrating

Since enrolling at DLC, Jenesis has made extraordinary strides:

• She is speaking clearly and confidently, expressing her wants and needs.
• She can count to 30 and identify letters, numbers, and shapes.
• She engages socially with her classmates and participates in classroom activities.
• On September 22, 2025, she took her very first steps—a milestone once uncertain, now joyfully achieved.

Her growth is not just academic or physical. It is emotional and social as well. At our Jacksonville special needs school, Jenesis is known, celebrated, and supported by teachers and peers who understand her unique journey.

Her mother shares that each day she drops Jenesis off at school, she feels peace—knowing her daughter is receiving both quality education and the specialized therapy services she needs in a safe, faith-centered environment.

Hope for the Future

Diagnosed with PCOS as a teenager, Jenesis’ mother once believed she might never have children. Today, she calls her daughter a miracle. Every classroom craft, school picture, and milestone represents resilience, faith, and possibility.

At the Developmental Learning Center, we are honored to serve families across Jacksonville who are seeking specialized education and therapy support for children with complex medical or developmental needs.

Jenesis’ story reflects the heart of our mission:
To provide compassionate, individualized education combined with integrated therapeutic services so every child can reach their God-given potential.

And for Jenesis, those first steps are only the beginning.