UAH Early Learning Center/RISE School

In January 2007, a Huntsville family gave birth to a son who was diagnosed with Down syndrome. The family soon discovered that Huntsville did not have any preschool programs that provided full time educational and therapeutic services to infants, toddlers and preschool aged children with developmental disabilities. Due to the limited choices available, the family and began to search for a program in the hopes of providing the “best” possible educational experience possible for their son.

Their search took them to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where they discovered the special “something” for which they had been searching. It was a program named RISE which focuses on the needs of infants, toddlers and preschoolers who have developmental disabilities learning alongside typical peers. RISE has developed and implemented an effective early childhood education and early childhood special education blended approach to learning. A unique component of the program is the integration of children having developmental disabilities with typically developing peers, which has resulted in children’s achievements beyond previous expectations.

In the Fall of 2009 a Special Education teacher sought our the family and partnered with them to establish a Rise School in Huntsville. With a team of highly motivated and enthusiastic community volunteers, and a dedicated Board of Directors, The Rise School of Huntsville opened open its doors in Spring 2012.

Initial Board of Directors:
David Block
Nancy Crunkleton
Courtney Johnston
Jerry Lee
Ken Watson
Amanda Lee