Adaptive Learning Center
Learning for All
The Adaptive Learning Center (ALC) was founded in 1982 as an early intervention program and redefined its mission in 1998 as research revealed that the best education for children with special needs is through an inclusion program.
ALC is one of the few preschool inclusion programs in the state of Georgia that fully integrates children with special needs into typical preschools—with individualized support from special education teachers. ALC’s partnerships with Atlanta preschools allow children to learn and play alongside their peers in a warm and caring environment. In classes with 90 percent or more neurotypical children, neurodivergent children learn not just basic academic skills; they discover important life lessons through interactions with other children and adults.
After conducting a feasibility study for ALC in 2019, we learned that there was clear philanthropic interest in ALC’s programs that reached more socioeconomically disadvantaged students and empowered educators through trainings and consultations led by ALC staff.
“I have always known I had something special to work with, and my dream was to make sure I maximized ALC’s potential. CCA is helping me fulfill that dream. I know you are in the fundraising business, but it is more than that. You are in the impact business, and the dollars will take care of themselves. I can’t thank you enough for your guidance, support, and belief in me and ALC.”
ALC embraced the study findings and reoriented their strategic direction to grow their “train-the-trainer” model in more preschools that serve students of varying socioeconomic backgrounds. We then introduced ALC to potential partners, built a financial model, and helped launch their $1.2 million campaign.
Today, ALC has expanded this program to three YMCA Early Learning Centers and one Sheltering Arms Early Learning Center, with plans to keep growing. With more than two years’ worth of program funding raised, ALC can keep making and shaping spaces where learning is for everyone.
Location: Kennsaw, GA
Sector: Social, Health, & Human Services
Proudest Moment: Watching ALC use our study results to take bold steps in a new strategic direction.
Coxe Curry Services Utilized: Campaign Planning Study, Pre-Campaign Consulting, Campaign Consulting