WHO WE ARE

HISTORY

For almost 40 years, the children of Teton and Sublette Counties have had a consistent ally in their journey through the baby, toddler and preschool years. Beginning in 1972, The Learning Center (TLC) offered programs to help young children succeed in school and in life.  As the youth population in these counties grew and changed, the programs of TLC changed with them.

The brainchild of a small group of concerned citizens, TLC initially formed to provide early intervention for children with developmental disabilities.  From its early roots as a center for special education, the programs of TLC expanded to include Early Head Start, Head Start and an integrated preschool program, early education for infants and toddlers, and screening services.

Community Children’s Project (CCP) was also started in 1972 with a mission to ensure that quality child development services were available in our community.  Several different programs, including child care for children six weeks to three years of age, Montessori, and preschool were offered. In 2008 the two organizations merged and formed Children’s Learning Center (CLC).  Each year CLC serves over 400 children through our programs and developmental screenings are provided for more than 700 children.  CLC employs more than 70 staff, maintains 14 classrooms, 3 therapy facilities and 4 administrative and staff offices in Teton and Sublette Counties.

Knowing that ALL children benefit from a nurturing and inviting environment during their early developmental years, CLC has built a solid portfolio of programs that inspire and educate ALL children to reach their greatest potential.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Children’s Learning Center is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Their main duties include ensuring the mission of Children’s Learning Center is being met, and determining long-range goals regarding fiscal management, children’s services, and public relations.  The board of directors also adopts a written policy for the conduct of the program’s operation.

Early Head Start and Head Start programs are also governed by the Policy Council which consists of a combination of parents and community members. These two boards work closely together in a system of shared governance.

The board delegates administrative responsibilities to the Executive Director of Children’s Learning Center.

MISSION STATEMENT

Nurturing lives birth through five.

VISION STATEMENT

All children will have a caring learning community, where they are valued for their abilities, accepted for their differences, and successful in their endeavors.

PHILOSOPHY

Children are born unique, creative and capable. The challenge for education is to support these strengths and abilities so that each child can grow and develop lifelong skills for problem solving, independence, curiosity, cooperation and a positive attitude for learning. Our goal is to join with families in the education of their children. Together we create a community of learners in a supportive, nurturing environment that values our diversity and celebrates our differences. Everyone has an equal right to belong and make choices and to be respected for their uniqueness.