Our Mission, Vision & History
The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas, Inc
Leadership & Values: Teaching with Heart Since 1959
For more than six decades, The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas, Inc has been guided by a mission rooted in compassion, dignity, and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. As a nonprofit organization dedicated to special needs services, we take pride in upholding a tradition of teaching with heart—a commitment that has shaped our programs, our people, and our purpose since 1959.
TLC is dedicated to providing the highest quality services to our county’s residents with developmental disabilities through a professional team that is both caring and innovative.
We utilize TLC values established in our operational protocol. We prioritize the involvement of families and individuals in all decisions regarding our participants’ care, ensuring that personal choice and inclusion are central to our approach. We empower families and individuals to build strong, ongoing relationships and supportive networks within their respective communities. We advocate on behalf of those we serve, collaborate with like-minded organizations to enhance opportunities, and are committed to the responsible and effective use of all resources entrusted to us. Through these core values, we strive to create an environment where every person enrolled can reach their fullest potential.
At The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas (TLC), we are dedicated to serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) from birth through adulthood. Our mission is to provide lifelong support, therapeutic services, education, and housing opportunities to help every individual reach their fullest potential.
TLC is dedicated to providing the highest quality services to our county’s residents with developmental disabilities through a professional team that is both caring and innovative.
We utilize TLC values established in our operational protocols. We prioritize the involvement of families and individuals in all decisions regarding our participants’ care, ensuring that personal choice and inclusion are central to our approach. We empower families and individuals to build strong, ongoing relationships and supportive networks within their respective communities. We advocate on behalf of those we serve, collaborate with like-minded organizations to enhance opportunities, and are committed to the responsible and effective use of all resources entrusted to us. Through these core values, we strive to create an environment where every person enrolled can reach their fullest potential. We embrace a whole-child approach, combining evidence-based therapies with nurturing environments that promote growth, independence, and confidence.
Our Mission & vision
Our mission is to provide exceptional, individualized support to children with developmental, behavioral, and educational needs. Through early intervention, therapeutic services, and specialized education, we strive to empower children and families with the tools, resources, and care they need to thrive.
We embrace a whole‑child approach, combining evidence‑based therapies with nurturing environments that promote growth, independence, and confidence.
Our Developmental Leadership
The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas is led by a team of experienced, licensed, and dedicated professionals who bring together decades of expertise across behavioral health, education, and therapy services. Our leadership prioritizes safety, quality, and continuous improvement to ensure that every child receives the highest standard of care.
Our team includes:
- Early Childhood Developmental Specialist (ECDC) certified teachers
- NDT‑certified specialists
- Licensed and insured behavioral development professionals
- Highly trained therapists in ABA, developmental therapy, OT, PT, and speech therapy
With over 60 years of experience, our leadership remains committed to creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged—both inside and outside the classroom.
Our Programs and Services
The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas provides a comprehensive range of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the children and families we serve, including:
- Early intervention developmental treatment
- Outpatient therapy services
- A private school for children with autism
- ABA therapy, developmental therapy, OT, PT, and speech therapy
- Diagnostic and resource services, including psychological testing
- Specialized educational support
- Adult day developmental treatment services
Our Commitment to Safety
We know that parents trust us with what matters most—their children. That’s why every Learning Center facility is equipped with:
- Security cameras throughout all buildings
- Keypad‑secured entries
- Fenced, protected play areas
These measures help ensure a secure, welcoming environment where children can learn and grow with confidence.
Our story started in 1959, when a group of determined parents, including Dr. John T. Gray, came together with a shared dream. They wanted opportunities for their children with disabilities that did not yet exist—opportunities for growth, education, and a life beyond limitations. What began as a small group of visionaries quickly grew into a movement.
We continue to expand and evolve to meet the needs of our community:
- 2020 – We opened a new Outpatient Therapy Center, expanding access to essential therapies for children in our region. We currently serve about 130 children in our outpatient program.
- 2021 – We acquired the nonprofit David Puryear Center (ICF), extending our services to include residential care for adults with IDD. This facility is a 10-bed Intermediate Care Facility.
- 2021 – We launched The Academy of TLC, a private school dedicated to providing specialized education and therapies for children with autism. Our current enrollment is 53 students.
- 2021 – We established the Diagnostic and Resource Center, bringing in a child psychologist to provide comprehensive testing and diagnostic services. We have tested hundreds of children over the past four years and have an 18-month waiting list for testing.
- 2025 – We expanded The Academy of TLC by adding four additional classrooms to serve more middle school students, growing to 6th grade and increasing from four to seven classrooms.
- 2025 – We are constructing a new recreational gym for students on-site, providing additional indoor activity space.
our history
The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas provides OT, PT, ST, developmental therapy, ABA therapy, adult day treatment, diagnostic and psychological testing, and residential services for adults who require 24/7 supervision in a 10-bed residential facility.
The TLC Preschool is a private school for children with autism, currently serving 160 children starting at 6 weeks old. We are the only EIDT provider in Jonesboro offering ABA services to children with autism. These services help children develop social skills, communication, and daily living abilities.
Since our founding 67 years ago, we have grown significantly, serving thousands of children and adults with special needs in Craighead County, as well as Poinsett and Greene counties. Our programs focus on promoting independence, developmental progress, and quality of life for individuals with special needs while supporting their families. We emphasize early intervention, education, and therapy to address the evolving needs of our clients, ensuring they have access to the resources and guidance necessary to thrive.
Today, we remain a cornerstone of the Craighead County community, maintaining a strong commitment to excellence in care and program innovation for all residents with developmental challenges.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to learn more about our programs, meet our team, or discover how The Learning Center of Northeast Arkansas, Inc can support your child’s development, contact us today. We’re here to answer your questions and guide you toward the services that fit your family’s needs.
