Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC) was established in 1964 by a group of dedicated parents seeking educational opportunities for children with severe disabilities who previously lacked access to appropriate schooling. Based in Mount Vernon, Washington, SPARC is committed to laying a foundation for lifelong success by providing accessible and comprehensive early intervention, education, therapy, and family support services. The organization serves children with developmental delays, disabilities, or complex health conditions, envisioning a community where every child is understood, supported, and accepted for who they are. SPARC operates several specialized programs tailored to different developmental stages, including a Birth to Three program and a Supported Preschool program. As the designated Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) provider for Skagit County, the Birth to Three program offers specialized instruction and therapies delivered in-home or at community locations. The Supported Preschool program, serving residents of the Mount Vernon School District, provides a structured classroom environment for children ages 3-5. This program uses research-based, blended curricula to support development in academic skills, communication, motor abilities, and social interaction. The center also houses a Children’s Therapy Program, which is one of only eighteen recognized Neurodevelopmental Centers (NDC) in Washington State. This program provides family-focused clinical support, including speech, occupational, physical, and music therapies, for children from birth through age 12. SPARC’s professional team consists of early childhood special education teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational and physical therapists, and paraeducators who work collaboratively to create individualized support plans for every student. Family partnership and emotional support are central to SPARC's mission. Through the Skagit Parent to Parent program, the organization connects caregivers with similar lived experiences to provide educational resources and a supportive community. SPARC maintains active alliances with the Mount Vernon School District and the School Medical Autism Review Team (SMART) at the University of Washington to ensure comprehensive care. Funding for services is achieved through partnerships with ESIT, school districts, and various insurance providers, supplemented by donor support to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent families from accessing vital services.
- Special education school
- chronic medical conditions
- Developmental delays
- neurodevelopmental
