We may block or delete offensive, defamatory, or off-topic comments Services for children under eighteen months of age are usually provided in their home.
We offer education and therapy services for children aged 0-12 with unique developmental and health needs
Please keep comments respectful and focused on SPARC's programming and mission. Birth to Three:
Services may be provided in-home, via tele-health therapy, and/or in a community based location or center depending on the priority and needs of the family and child. For children under three, w
e currently have a unique opportunity in collaboration with Early Head Start to provide for children in a Head Start classroom. The classroom environment consists of developmentally appropriate individual and group activities and/or therapy services. Our organization believes that parents and the families of children with special needs are a valuable part of our program. We strive to develop a positive and supportive relationship with parents and families. Participation, whether in the classroom, at home during visits or at meetings is also encouraged as it helps us better understand the needs of your child and how we can help. Parents and staff will create an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan outlines the concerns expressed from parents and family members and identifies the child’s unique developmental needs. A Family Resources Coordinator will help coordinate programs and services for families by connecting families with needed community resources and support. Prior to the child turning three years of age the staff helps transition the child to preschool services, typically provided by the child’s local school district. For more information contact Vanessa Hagerty, Birth to Three Lead: [email protected]. Preschool Program:
The Preschool Program provides educational and therapeutic services to Mount Vernon School District’s preschool children with developmental delays. This partnership provides an opportunity for children with unique learning styles to participate in a classroom environment amongst typical learners. Our classroom experience consists of a daily routine of activities rich in the development of academic, communication, fine and gross motor, social, and adaptive skill-building. In addition, physical, occupational and speech/language therapy are provided in the classroom as needed. Children who are not able to participate in classroom settings receive individual therapy. If your child is between 3 and 5 years old and you are interested in our preschool special education program through the Mount Vernon School District, you can go directly to the Special Services Office of the Mount Vernon School District. They will complete the initial paperwork and send us the referral. Their phone number is (360) 428-6141. Once SPARC has received this referral, you will be called to set up an evaluation time and date to see if your child can be found eligible for special education services, have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) written, and to be placed in a SPARC preschool classroom at one of our three locations or receive therapy services in an office setting. If you live outside the city of Mount Vernon, please contact your local school district office and ask to speak with a representative from its special education department. For more information contact Marinna Norton, Preschool Coordinator: [email protected]. SPARKLERS:
This is your first step to connecting your family with affordable, comprehensive, high-quality, early learning services! The Sparkler’s Preschool program is designed to offer inclusive early learning opportunities to kids aged 3 to 5 years of age. Your child will have the unique opportunity to learn alongside peers with different development abilities. SPARC has contracted with the Mount Vernon School District since 1974, providing Special Education preschool services. It’s our pleasure to welcome students with all abilities through our Sparkler Preschool program. Research shows all students benefit from inclusive early learning experiences such as this. Program Details:
3-Day per week, Tuesday – Thursday
Morning and afternoon classes are available in 3-hour sessions from 8:30-11:30 am and PM 1:00-4:00 pm
Program Fees: $235 / mo $2,350 / year
If approved, a $50.00 processing fee will be added to your first payment. Location address: 320 Pacific Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
If you have any questions about this application or need assistance, please call 360-416-7570. Neurodevelopmental Program:
Skagit Preschool and Resource Center (SPARC) is one of nineteen Neurodevelopment Centers in Washington State. Neurodevelopment Centers provide therapy and related services to children with neuromuscular or developmental delays or disabilities. This designation enables SPARC to provide therapeutic services to children outside of any service they might be receiving through their school district. SPARC is a contracted provider with most insurance companies and all five Managed Care Organizations (MCO's). Parent 2 Parent:
Our Parent to Parent program offers emotional support, resources, educational seminars, social and recreational events for Skagit County families whose children have developmental disabilities or ongoing health care needs across the lifespan. For more information contact Heather Milliren, Parent to Parent Coordinator: [email protected].
06/05/2026
💙Your Weekly Vroom Tip!
💙¡Una Vroom Tip semanal para ti!
La próxima vez que salga con su hijo, tómese unos minutos para detenerse y escuchar. Pregúnteles qué escuchan. Cuenta cuántos sonidos diferentes escucha cada uno.
Cuando su hijo escucha, identifica y cuenta lo que escucha, está usando muchos de sus sentidos, lo que promueve el enfoque y la memoria.
Next time you're out with your kiddo, take a few minutes to stop & listen. Ask them what they hear. Count how many different sounds you each hear.
When your child listens, identifies & counts what they hear, they're using many of their senses, which promotes focus & memory.
06/04/2026
💙💛There are some great alternative phrases that also mean "be careful."💛💙
06/03/2026
💛💙 TOMORROW is Skagit County Parent to Parent's FREE "Sensory Indoor Recess" in Sedro Woolley in partnership with the Central Skagit Library! ALL SPARC families are welcome! 💛💙
First Thursdays of each month
Thursday, June 4th, 2026
4:30 to 5:30 PM Drop in!
Central Skagit Library
110 W State Street | Sedro Woolley
This is a safe, sensory-friendly environment where kids (ages 2-8 years) can explore, play, and socialize at their own pace. Children with sensory sensitivities, unique needs, and medical complexities are warmly welcome. Come play, explore, and connect with other families in a supportive space. Meet with Skagit County Parent to Parent staff and glean resources, too!💛
Questions: Contact the Skagit P2P Office at 360.416.7570 x 2999 or [email protected]
06/03/2026
💙💛Play Dough Goals! 💛💙
Brain breaks are a great writing warm-up for getting the hands ready for a handwriting task. WHY? HOW? We cover all things brain breaks here: https://www.theottoolbox.com/brain-breaks
06/01/2026
📢 LAST CALL for SIBLINGS (ages 8-14) who have a brother or sister with developmental disabilities or complex health condition!
📢 LAST CALL for SIBLINGS (ages 8-14) who have a brother or sister with developmental disabilities or complex health condition!
🧭🥾🗺️🐾 You're invited to REGISTER and ATTEND our Skagit County Parent to Parent Spring Sibshops™ Adventure This Way! 🔭
Friday, June 5, 2026
4:30 to 7 PM
Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Hillcrest Park Rec Room
1717 S 13th ST | MT Vernon
👥 We'll hang out with other SIBSHOPS™ siblings who get what it's like to have a brother or sister with a developmental disability or complex healthcare need. We'll play some AWESOME games, explore our ADVENTURE theme, and enjoy delicious food together.
QUESTIONS: Contact Skagit County Parent to Parent at [email protected] or 360.416.7570 x 2999
In partnership with Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation
06/01/2026
✏️We will have preschool teams providing warm welcomes to our students rolling up to kindergarten at 5 out of 6 MVSD elementary schools. If you have SPARC student graduating this year and starting Kindergarten next year, be sure stop by and say “Hello” to us at the SPARC/Skagit County Parent to Parent resource table. We are here for you! 🎒
05/30/2026
💙Your Weekly VroomVroom Tip!
Hey parents, it's completely okay to take a break—you deserve it!
“Being a present, loving parent AND desperately needing a break are not mutually exclusive.”
Here are some great tips from PBS KIDS on why taking breaks or a regular quiet time is so important for both you and your child!
📢Calling all SPARC SIBLINGS (ages 8-14) 🧭🗺️🐾You're invited to REGISTER and ATTEND Skagit County Parent to Parent's Spring Sibshops™ Adventure This Way! 🔭
Friday, June 5, 2026 from 4:30 to 7 PM
👥Hang out with other SIBSHOPS™ siblings who get what it's like to have a brother or sister with a developmental disability or complex healthcare need. Play some AWESOME games, explore, ADVENTURE and enjoy delicious food together.
➡️ REGISTER by 6/2 using : https://SkagitP2PSpring2026Sibshops.eventbrite.com
Note: This event is free, drop off style and for typical developing siblings.
📢Calling all SIBLINGS (ages 8-14) who have a brother or sister with developmental disabilities or complex health condition!
🧭🥾🗺️🐾You're invited to REGISTER and ATTEND our Skagit County Parent to Parent Spring Sibshops™ Adventure This Way! 🔭
Friday, June 5, 2026
4:30 to 7 PM
Mount Vernon Parks and Recreation Hillcrest Park Rec Room
1717 S 13th ST | MT Vernon
👥We'll hang out with other SIBSHOPS™ siblings who get what it's like to have a brother or sister with a developmental disability or complex healthcare need. We'll play some AWESOME games, explore our ADVENTURE theme, and enjoy delicious food together.
06/05/2026
06/04/2026
06/03/2026
06/03/2026
06/01/2026
06/01/2026
05/30/2026
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05/26/2026