UAH Early Learning Center/RISE Program

UAH Early Learning Center/RISE Program 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. Th

eir 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

04/30/2026

Have you ever needed care (daycare, afterschool care, summer care, or adult care) for your autistic loved one? If so, we need your VOICE.

RAN’s Care Survey closes on May 1. There are still 12 counties in Alabama we haven’t yet heard from.

In North Alabama, we need responses from Etowah and Lawrence Counties. Elsewhere in the state, we need responses from the following counties: Wilcox, Sumter, Pickens, Monroe, Lawrence, Lamar, Henry, Fayette, Etowah, Choctaw, Butler, and Barbour.

Please share as this data will be used to ignite care needs across the state of Alabama.

Here’s the link to complete the 5 minute survey: https://uab.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0PQI7g9sxEO1Qqi

Thank you!

Join us in making a difference—your support truly matters! Click the link below to learn more and get involved. Thank yo...
04/25/2026

Join us in making a difference—your support truly matters! Click the link below to learn more and get involved. Thank you for being part of our community 💙

04/17/2026

Family Friday is all about how we grow our classroom families. Through caring, sharing, and kindness, we make sure all children can shine.

We love building a classroom community where every child feels valued, supported, and included. Every day, our children have opportunities to explore, create, sing, dance, share, and learn in ways that help them SHINE. We are so thankful for our amazing community, children, families, and teachers who make our school such a wonderful place to grow.

Week of the Young Child reminds us that early childhood matters, and every child deserves a strong start. Help us continue this work through our Kindness Campaign.

Strengthening our fine motor skills while creating unique masterpieces! Colorful markers and play doh are always a big h...
04/17/2026

Strengthening our fine motor skills while creating unique masterpieces! Colorful markers and play doh are always a big hit!

Work It Out Wednesday in the classroom — working through challenges, building strong friendships, and learning how to so...
04/16/2026

Work It Out Wednesday in the classroom — working through challenges, building strong friendships, and learning how to solve problems together. We love seeing our children use their words, share, take turns, and practice kindness as they grow both socially and emotionally.

Check out these photos and videos of our little ones working it out in action!

04/15/2026

Work Together Wednesday:

Work Together Wednesday reminds us that children learn best when we collaborate—building relationships, solving problems, and creating together. Across our campus and in partnership with our community, we strengthen children’s learning experiences by sharing ideas, supporting one another, and working toward a common goal: helping every child grow, belong, and thrive.

We celebrated Musical Monday with glow stick dance parties, musical instruments, and dancing to some of our favorite son...
04/15/2026

We celebrated Musical Monday with glow stick dance parties, musical instruments, and dancing to some of our favorite songs.

For Tasty Tuesday, we sorted different fruits and vegetables and made “dirt cups” and “tasty spiders.”

We are having so much fun, and the week has just begun!

Feel free to share anything your family is doing at home to celebrate in the comments section.

04/14/2026

Tasty Tuesday at RISE!

While our children are busy cooking and making special treats today, let’s get a “taste” of what parents, teachers, and student workers think are the perfect ingredients of RISE. A great program is always made with the right mix of care, teamwork, joy, and dedication.

04/13/2026

🎶 Happy Music Monday!

Today we’re celebrating the joy and power of music therapy; a wonderful way to support children’s growth and learning through rhythm, movement, and connection. Music helps young learners express themselves, build social-emotional skills, and discover the delight of creativity. At the RISE School we believe every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive through the universal language of music. 💕

Address

4503 University Drive
Huntsville, AL
35816

Telephone

+12568244760

Website

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