Little Tree offers early intervention for children
2010-07-20
From the Jacksonville News July 20, 2010
By David Jennings
In 2008, The Little Tree opened the doors to its newest campus: Jacksonville. It held an open house last week for the community to see first hand what it does and how it can help.
Located on Pelham Road South in the old Four Mile Furniture Building, the preschool is a private, year round early intervention program for children ages two-and-a-half to five. The program provides curriculum based on the State of Alabama’s Department of Education’s school readiness guidelines.
What makes The Little Tree unique is that the school specializes in working with children that have developmental disabilities. Using a technique called Applied Behavior Analysis, children are introduced to math and science, grow social skills and develop a love for learning.
This could not be done without the help of a dedicated staff that cares for the kids. Patricia Murphy is the director of the Little Tree and specialized in education for the deaf. Head teacher, Aimee Spruil has a Masters of Education in Special Education, with a concentration in reading. Jennifer Wythe is the center’s Clinical Coordinator. She said everyone working at the preschool has a love for children.
“When I first started here, I didn’t think I would end up working with this age kids. I thought I would be working with adults,” said Wythe. “After my first year working here, I thought I couldn’t go to another age group. It is wonderful.”
Wythe said it is little moments thought the day that make her job so worthwhile.
“Something that you would (normally) overlook is a big deal. Like a child that I know is normally withdrawn plays a ball game. Or all of the sudden, this little girl grabs one of these guys and starts dancing during music time. It is just one of those moments that happens thought the day
The Little Tree Preschool is located less than 5 miles from Jacksonville State University. The preschool and the university work closely with each other. Along side the building, children play in front of a mural of the seasons painted by some members of the university’s art department. The school also works with the university’s Department of Psychology to provide the children with what they call ‘the most innovative and all-inclusive services this area has to offer.’ The collaboration gives JSU students the opportunity to enroll in both undergraduate and graduate practicum experiences at the preschool.
JSU senior, Lindsey Holcombe, currently works at the Little Tree as an intern. She said that children with autism learn differently from children with normal development because they require special attention. She said that the preschool has trained her on how to handle each case and how to show compassion while encouraging learning.
Later this year, the preschool will host two fundraisers to help them continue serving the children in this area along with their families. In August, they will host a million dollar shootout for golf fans and in September the school will host a 83 mile charity motorcycle poker run. They are still looking for volunteers, door prizes, players and sponsors for both of the events.
For more information on The Little Tree please visit: www.learning-tree.org or call 256-435-6057. For more information on the charity motorcycle poker run call 256-447-9349.
