TLC logo

A FREE public charter school for eligible children age 2 ½ to 5 with special needs. The TLC is funded by the St. Johns County School District.

We offer a small school experience for your child that will prepare them for classroom success.

The Therapeutic Learning Center for Children was founded in 1986 to provide the opportunity for hope, growth, and change to children with special needs under the age of 5. Our students have a variety of special needs from Autism, Down Syndrome, Global Developmental Delay and Cerebal Palsy to severe medical needs. Each and everyday of school, our students learn and grow so that they are better prepared for their futures!

Meeting Our Students Needs

 Individual Education Plan
Therapy through Play
Peer Interaction
Preparation for Kindergarten
Social Skills Building
Certified Teacher and Teacher Aides
4:1 Student to Teacher Ratio
Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy
& Occupational Therapy

One Step at a Time!

Public Charter School
Free Education Program
Funded by the Department of Education
8am to 2pm
Monday thru Friday
After School Care Available
Small Class Size
Dedicated and Knowledgeable
Daily Calendar of Activities

TLC Staff

The TLC maintains a consistent 4 to 1 staff to student policy.  Our instructional and support staff are consistent themselves, with years of experience and the joy of preparing their students for successful continuing educational opportunities.

Lauren Brannan
Director
Since 2023

Anna Machiz-Dillon
Community Outreach Coordinator
Since 2023

Kathy Millecan
Certified Teacher
Since 1988

Colleen West
Teacher’s Aide
Since 2019

Traci Hillsman
Teacher’s Aide
Since 2022

Doris Givens
Teacher’s Aide
Since 1996

Ashley Frazier
Teacher’s Aide
Since 2024

After School Program

The TLC After-School Care Program provided by The Arc of the St. Johns is offered exclusively to currently enrolled students of The Therapeutic Learning Center who are at least three (3) years of age. The Program operates Monday – Friday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm in accordance with the St. Johns County School District (SJCSD) Master Calendar, including all scheduled closures and makeup days if applicable. Program hours subject to change. Space is limited.

The TLC After-School Program is an extension of our education program focused on structured and unstructured play-based learning in a safe and loving therapeutic environment with low student-to-staff ratios utilizing early education themes.

Please submit completed After School Documents to TLCAfterSchool@arcsj.org

Meeting Minutes

Download PDFs below.

Budget & Audit

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Contact Us

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    Board of Directors 2024-25

    Andy Norman
    Director, President

    Ann-Marie Butler
    Director, Vice President

    Jennifer Akin
    Director, Secretary

    Mike Davis
    Director, Treasurer

    Kathy Jackson
    Executive Director
    Parent Liason/Representative

    Justin Breidenstein
    Finance Director

    Lauren Brannan
    Therapeutic Learning Center

    lbrannan@arcsj.org

    Neal Benson
    Staff Liason

    Sample Classroom Daily Schedule

    8:00 – 8:30 am
    Children Arrive
    Table Time

    8:30 – 9:30 am
    Small group structured social
    skills in centers

    9:30 – 10:00 am
    Small group activity
    (IEP Goals, pre-academic
    learning, shapes, colors,
    letters, etc)

    10:00 – 10:30 am
    Large group activity
    (Art, music, or gross
    motor activity)

    10:30 – 11:00 am
    Calendar Time

    11:00 – 11:30 am
    Snack

    11:30 – 12:00 pm
    Morning Circle

    12:00 – 12:30 pm
    Small group activity
    (IEP Goals, pre-academic
    learning, shapes, colors,
    letters, etc)

    12:30 – 1:15 pm
    Indoor/Outside
    Play

    1:15 – 2:00 pm
    Lunch, Home
    or Extended Day

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does a child qualify for enrollment?

    Children can qualify to attend TLC if they have a current Individual Education Plan (IEP). The initial IEP can be written by the St Johns County School District. We also accept IEPs from other counties and also out of state.

    How is the school funded?

    We are a Public Charter School, part of the St Johns County School District. We are funded by the Florida Department of Education.

    What curriculum is used?

    The curriculum that we use is The Creative Curriculum