Frequently asked questions
What does TLC do and who does it serve?
TLC has two programs: pediatric therapy and early childhood education. We serve children from birth to age 12 in our occupational, physical, and speech pediatric therapies, and children ages eight weeks until they are ready for kindergarten in our fully inclusive infant nursery, toddler classrooms, and preschool classrooms. Most of our students live in Boulder County, but children from throughout the Front Range are welcome at TLC. “Fully inclusive” means children both with and without special needs are enrolled in all of our classrooms. Children enrolled in pediatric therapy have been assessed and have goals in place to support their individual needs in the classroom . Therapy needs range from speech and language delays to helping with fine and gross motor skills development; anything that may hinder a child’s ability to meet critical developmental milestones on a timeline appropriate for them. Children may be discharged from therapy upon meeting the goals set by their families and therapist or after their 12th birthday.
When are you open?
We are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. We operate year round with a calendar similar to the St. Vrain Valley School District. We ask that children enrolled in our early learning program be on campus no more than nine hours per day, according to best practices for healthy child development.
Tell me about your staff
Our teachers are highly trained (associates, bachelors, and masters degrees) and committed to the education of young children. Professional development is ongoing for all staff, with a center-wide commitment to the Pyramid Plus Approach, a social-emotional curriculum that encourages behavior and healthy relationships. We have highly trained, licensed speech, occupational, and physical therapists who specialize in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), lactation support, and toe-walking. We are also fortunate to have a highly qualified administrative team that includes an executive director, administrative support, billing specialists, and a development and fundraising team. TLC is 501(c)3 non-profit organization managed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
What does it mean to be a nonprofit?
TLC is a nonprofit because all dollars raised go back into the center via programs and scholarships. We do not have an owner; we are run by a volunteer Board of Directors comprised of TLC current and alumni parents and community leaders. We hold two major fundraising events per year to help fund our programs, participate in Colorado Gives Day, and ask all TLC parents to commit to 25 volunteer hours per year.
What are your accreditations and affiliations?
TLC is a Colorado Shines Level Four-rated center; a Breastfeeding Friendly certified facility; a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL)-certified facility; a certified Home Health Agency; a member of the Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce; a member of the Longmont Economic Development Partnership; a member of the Assuring Better Child Health and Development (ABCD) Partnership of Boulder County, and is active with the Early Childhood Council of Boulder County. TLC receives funding from the Colorado Preschool Program and the Colorado Childcare Assistance Program, in addition to funding from local businesses, foundations, and donors.
What are your tuition rates?
For our pediatric therapy services, costs vary by treatment plan, and TLC works with a variety of insurance plans, including Medicaid and private pay. For our educational services, there is a one-time $75.00 registration fee and an annual $30 materials and assessment fee. TLC offers two-, three-, and five-day a week enrollment options. TLC’s tuition rates are market competitive, and reflect the cost of keeping the appropriate number of highly trained, licensed teachers in each classroom. Please call (303) 776-7417 to schedule a tour and find out more about tuition rates.
Is financial aid available?
We are a non-profit organization committed to providing scholarships to families based on demonstrated financial need. We receive funding for scholarships through CCAP, CPP, government funding, foundations like the Buell Foundation, and private donors. Financial aid will be awarded after completion of a scholarship application and approval. Available funding is first-come first-served to eligible families. We provide funding to both education families and therapy families. We continuously strive to improve our fundraising efforts so we have more scholarship dollars available for families.
How do we enroll?
The first step in the enrollment process for our classrooms is to schedule a tour. Tours are scheduled on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month and are conducted by our Educational and Therapeutic Services Managers. Touring the center is a necessary step to ensure that we are the right fit for your family. At the tour you will receive a registration packet and once completed we will determine if there is an opening or if your child will be placed on a waiting list. Prior to your child’s first day at TLC, you will also fill out the enrollment packet and pay the one-time enrollment fee. Please call (303 )776-7417 to schedule an intake appointment or learn more about therapy services.
How long have you been in business?
TLC was founded in 1956 by parents of children with cerebral palsy to create a school in town for their children to learn and thrive. We celebrated our 65th birthday in 2021. TLC is now a fully inclusive campus, serving ALL children, regardless of their abilities.
Originally named The Tiny Tim Center, TLC filed a DBA to become known as TLC Learning Center in 2013. Legally, we are The Tiny Tim Center, Inc., and this name will continue to be utilized on our IRS and professional documents.
