Watch us Grow!

What is the TLC?
The Therapeutic Learning Center for Children, also known as TLC, is a public charter preschool serving children with various developmental delays and disabilities since 1986 at no cost to their families. We offer a small school whole-child approach with specialized instruction, individualized therapies, and enrichment opportunities. TLC also houses a private, holistic, trauma-informed behavioral therapy practice.

What we offer
“Meeting the individual needs of our students one step at a time” section
Services may include:
Individualized Education Plans
Play-Based Learning and Therapies
Sensory Infused Setting
Kindergarten Readiness
Social Skills Instruction
4:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio
3:1 Student-to-Teacher Ratio in Core Academics with individual support
Individualized Speech & Language, Occupational, and/or Physical Therapy
Communication Rich Environment
Integrated Visual Supports
Enrichment Programming
Alternative Communication
Assistive Technology

Who We Are
The Therapeutic Learning Center for Children was Founded in 1986 to provide the opportunity for early education and specialized support for preschool-aged children impacted by developmental delay and related disabilities. TLC became St. Johns County's 1st Public Charter School in 2001. Each and every day of school, our students learn and grow so that they are better prepared for their futures.

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We are a Non-Profit Public Charter School and part of The Arc of the St. Johns
TLC provides a Specialized Education Program Upholding the Highest Standards of Care
We are funded by the Department of Education and the St. Johns County School District
Our School Day runs from 8 am to 2 pm, Monday - Friday.
We follow the St. Johns County School District Calendar
After School Care Available
Summer Programs Available
Small Class Sizes - Small School Setting
Dedicated and Knowledgeable Trained Staff
Structured Daily Routine

How does a child qualify for enrollment?
Children are eligible to attend the Therapeutic Learning Center if they meet ESE eligibility requirements for preschool services. Students with a current IEP that qualifies them for preschool services and are between the ages of 2.5 - 5 years old, with some exceptions through age 6, may enroll. We accept IEPs from other states and school districts.
What is ESE?
Exceptional Student Education programs serve students with qualifying developmental delays or/or disabilities.
My child receives services through Early Steps; what's next?
If you are interested in TLC, your Early Steps Team will assist you.
Will my child qualify for an IEP?
The initial IEP can be written by St. John’s County School District (fdlrsnefec.org/child-find for more information).

Contact FDLRS/NEFEC or St. Johns County Child Find to have your child screened for eligibility. We can help you connect with the appropriate resources and decide if TLC fits your
What is an IEP?
IEP is the acronym for Individualized Education Plan, a document ensuring a student's access to a free and appropriate public education, commonly referred to as FAPE. It is a road map describing what your student can already do and which special services and supports your student needs to make progress in reaching their goals.
Your Child may qualify for an IEP or services through Early Steps if they have one or more qualifying developmental delay and/or diagnoses as defined by IDEA and the State of Florida. For detailed eligibility information, please visit www.fldoe.org/academics/exceptional-student-edu/ese-eligibility/
If you are interested in learning more about qualifying for an IEP, have concerns about your child's development, or have any questions, contact us. We are committed to supporting the community, ensuring access to early intervention, and connecting families with resources.

Curriculum
The Therapeutic Learning Center utilizes curriculums approved and supported by the St. John’s County school district to prepare students for their future education. These curriculums focus on academics, social skills, and communication and are modified to meet the needs of each individual student.

Early Childhood Behavioral Therapy Program at The Arc of the St. Johns
A holistic play-based approach to Applied Behavior Analysis facilitated by a board-credentialed BCBA specializing in early childhood services. Our program is a unique multidisciplinary approach designed to exist collaboratively alongside our early childhood education program and individualized therapeutic services. We focus on the whole child, infusing fun, compassion, positive experiences, a child's interests, and our team of early childhood experts to provide a genuinely individualized support program for children who qualify for services.

+Enriched Environment +Individualized +Child-Led +Evidence Based +Compassionate +Social Skill Development +Age-appropriate Goals +Relationship-based
Private Pay or Insurance-based services. Children receiving services can attend the after-school program at no additional cost.

● Cigna
● Aetna
● United Health Care
● Florida Blue (Blue Cross, Blue Shield)
● Tricare
● Medicaid (Sunshine, CMS, UHC)
(The Early Childhood Behavioral Therapy Program is a separate entity housed within TLC. A distinct separation is enforced to maintain high ethical standards and patient privacy. Parents/Guardians may consent at their discretion to collaboration between the School, Therapists, and Behavioral Therapists.)

Contact information

2109 Arc Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084

Lauren Brannan
Director, Children’s Services
Therapeutic Learning Center at The Arc of the St. John’s
904.401.641

Anna Machiz (Machiz-Dillon)
Community Outreach Coordinator
The Arc of the St. Johns – Therapeutic Learning Center
amachiz@arcsj.org 443.992.3330