History

Founded in 1981, Tacoma Learning Center (TLC) is a HopeSparks Program dedicated to providing inclusive, family-centered educational programs and therapeutic support to infants and young children with varying abilities and to help them reach their full potential. 

Guiding Values

Parents of children with special needs were the driving force for the development of Tacoma Learning Center.  We believed that helping a child grow and learn early in life was crucial for that child to reach his or her full potential.   We also believed that with parent participation, the assistance of trained professionals, and stimulated environments, each child could learn regardless of his or her abilities.  We insisted on giving the parents information, support and training to help them become better advocates for their own child(ren) and to help support other families in the community.

 

Today, the beliefs of those parents are still held by those who work and volunteer at TLC.  The focus is on learning that builds on the strengths and interests of each child, in safe and stimulating environments.  Individual challenges are supported and met, successes are celebrated and a network of friends, professionals, and community resources is developed for each family.  Services are offered in a variety of settings:  family or caregiver homes, child care centers, community settings and TLC’s classrooms.

 

Parents leave TLC more confident and skilled in seeking and finding effective learning opportunities for their children.  Children leave TLC with new skills and knowledge, equipped with social skills to help them participate fully in educational settings.

Contact your Pierce County Family Resources Coordinator, single point of entry to enroll your child with special needs into our therapeutic and specialized instruction program.  Phone 253-798-3790.