Dlc Nurse & Learn Inc
To provide year round high-quality education nursing care and therapies in an environment for children of all abilities with dignity while giving families the ability to become financially independent and children the opportunity to reach their maximum potential.
As a special education teacher in the Jacksonville, Florida public school system, Amy Buggle chaired a committee to find services for children with special needs. She found that day care was simply not available for children with moderate to severe handicaps. With the help of Murray Hill United Methodist Church, she left her secure teaching position and founded DLC Nurse & Learn, offering special education services, physical therapy and extended day care for children of all abilities.
As more needs were identified as not being met in the community, Amy added more services. Children with medically complex situations were not allowed in the existing special needs programs, so DLC hired a registered nurse and medical assistants. Those children who were previously denied could now attend school and socialize with other children. This allowed the parents of these children who were forced to stay at home, some on welfare, the opportunity to attend high school, college or to work while their child was in a safe and productive environment.
Since 1989, the center has served students with special needs, from birth to 22 years of age. Children from birth to 6 years may attend a full day preschool program and students’ ages 3-21 may also attend before/after school for educational activities, therapy and medical care. Any child with a disability or medical problem, which prevents them from attending regular day care or other developmental preschools, is eligible for service. The children have a variety of disabilities including cerebral palsy, microcephaly, anencephaly, Down Syndrome, Arthrogryposis, tuberous sclerosis, Tay-Sachs disease, tracheostomy, gastronomy tube, seizure disorders, open kidneys, etc.
DLC now provides full-time nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and vision therapy. DLC has a volunteer program serving troubled youth, which allows them to fulfill community service hours and learn valuable lessons working one-on-one with disabled children. Many other youth also volunteer after school, on holidays and during the summer.
DLC continues to provide full-time nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. In 2019, DLC celebrated 30 years of Miracles and Hope for serving the Jacksonville community and continuing to help special needs families. Mrs. Buggle retired in December 2019 to spend more time with her mom, husband, grandchildren, family and friends. Amy passed the reins to Heather Corey, who officially took over January 2020. Amy has recently published a memoir about her time at DLC and her personal faith. You can purchase the book on Amazon