SALISBURY — Partners in Learning Child Development and Family Resource Center, a local nonprofit organization, has acquired the Rowan Medical Child Development Center program.

Rowan Medical Child Development Center, located at Novant Health Rowan, has historically offered Novant Health employees, affiliates and the general public a child care option. Officials say that this will continue under the leadership of Partners in Learning.

“Continuity of quality care for our children and support for staff are our chief priorities,” said Norma Honeycutt, executive director of Partners in Learning. “We are pleased that the staff at Rowan Medical Child Development will remain and will ensure a consistent environment of learning and care for children and families.”

Partners in Learning and Novant Heath leadership acknowledge a shared philosophy of quality care and early education. The mission of Partners in Learning is to model the highest quality learning environment that stimulates families and the community to provide optimal growth and development of children. Its vision is that families and the community will have the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute significantly to that effort.

Partners in Learning’s educational philosophy is research-driven, experience-rich and helps young children to learn in a way that is lasting and fosters a lifelong love of learning. Research proves that children learn best by discovering and constructing their own knowledge through hands-on, fun learning experiences.

“The ability to offer our services to additional members of our community has been part of our strategic plan for years, and to see it finally come to fruition is amazing,” said Emilie Scharf, new director of Partners in Learning at Novant. “I am truly honored and humbled to have the opportunity to serve our community on this most important level.”

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to work with Partners in Learning in the transition of our day care program. Not only do they have a five star rating, but they are highly thought of in the community for the quality of care they provide children,” said Dari Caldwell, president of Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Rowan Medical Child Development Center will begin operating as Partners in Learning on Oct. 1.

Partners in Learning Child Development and Family Resource Center provides care to children 6 weeks through 5 years of age in Rowan County. The center is a five-star licensed, nationally accredited program caring for more than 200 children ages 6 weeks through 9 every year.

The organization serves children at Partners in Learning on the Catawba College campus, at a previous Novant Health facility, in child-care centers throughout the community and in children’s homes. Partners in Learning specializes in serving children with special needs and operates a complete, regionally and nationally recognized wellness program. Learn more at http://www.epartnersinlearning.org/.