March Newsletter
Non-Profit Community Impact Program
Success Story
As part of our Star License, parents submit testimonials about their experiences with our early care and education program. One parent shared her experience in how we individualize our program to meet each child's personality and where they are in their development.

"My child is very shy and could never make any friends. Thanks to the program at Partners In Learning, she is learning social skills. In addition to learning social skills she learns so much through their detailed lesson plans each week. She is always teaching me something new! I love how they pay attention to every child and know if they need more one on one time, an always prove help with her needs.
PIL Professional Tip of the Month
Tips on using inclusive language from our Early Intervention Specialist, Suzanne Koontz
Promote inclusion and support for children with disabilities throughout your daily conversations by:Using Person-First or Identity-First Language

Person-First Language
Focusing on the person, not their disability, is one way to promote respect, dignity, and individuality. It reminds us that every child is a whole person with unique qualities that extend far beyond their diagnosis. Instead of saying "Down syndrome girl," use "a girl with Down syndrome." Instead of saying "disabled child," use "a child with a disability."

Identity-First
Identity-first language is a way of referring to individuals that emphasizes what they consider to be a core part of their identity. Identity-first language is more common in the autism community, where some people identify as autistic and work to dispel the notion that autism as an unfortunate affliction or defining characteristic. Some other communities, such as the Deaf communities, may also prefer identity-first language (Deaf person).

It's always best to ask individuals how they prefer to be identified. Be sensitive and open to learning. Our language choices can have a significant impact on shaping perceptions and fostering a more inclusive world.

Throughout the disability community, preferences on how to refer to people vary widely, which was reflected in a Disability Rights Poll of 129 individuals: 
  • 11% preferred identity-first language
  • 56% preferred people-first language
  • 26% were okay with using either
  • 7% answered “other”

Be sensitive and open to learning. Our language choices can have a significant impact on shaping perceptions and fostering a more inclusive world.
In The News
Spreads Love and Acceptance at Successful Valentine’s Dinner for Special Needs Families.
Partners In Learning hosted its annual Valentine's Dinner for special needs families. Cassie Karriker, Clinical Director stated, "Seeing the joy on the faces of children and families as they connected, celebrated, and simply enjoyed being together was truly heartwarming."
Community Connections
Partners In Learning is a the model inclusive site for college students and professionals to come learn and experience hands on in their field of educational or clinical services. Students from Catawba College's Recreation Therapy Program came to learn hands on with our NC PreK students. We aren't sure who had more fun, the Catawba students or our students!
Our clinical director Cassie Karriker also took time to introduce Catawba students to the understanding of sensory-seeking behaviors and what things we do at PIL to make those accommodations. Students were able to learn about the various strategies and then have an opportunity to see them being implemented hands on in our sensory room and inclusive early education classrooms.
We also hosted an information session for Rowan Salisbury Schools on how to make referrals for our clinical services including family support, Triple-P, ABA therapy, Mental Health Counseling, and various support groups.
Upcoming Events
Services We Provide
Educational Services
Family and Clinical Services
How to Support Our Programs
Acknowledgement
Employee Partner of the Month
Many of our staff have dedicated the majority of their career to Partners In Learning. This month we recognize Dan Henderson who is the Finance Director!
Volunteers of the Month
Many parents and community members have dedicated their personal time to support Partners In Learning. This month we recognize: Celia Jarrett, Belinda Hutson, Sherry Mason Brown, and Becky Hyatt.
Employee Spotlight
Kayla Young our Lead Registered Behavior Technician became certified in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention through the Crisis Prevention Institute. She learned specific techniques to de-esculate and understand behavior displayed by various populations such as those who are affected by autism, mental health, and trauma. Kayla will now be our on-site Safety Care Trainer. Congratulations Kayla on receiving this certification!
PARTNERS IN LEARNING
Woods Site: 1775 S. MLK Jr. Ave, Salisbury
Novant Site: 519 Best St., Salisbury
Partnering with families and communities to promote the development of all children through early care, education, intervention, and family support services.