The Arc of Rowan

SALISBURY — The Arc of Rowan Summer Day Program will kick off again this year.

The program was started in 1984 to provide a secure, positive environment that meets the physical, social, emotional and education needs of children ages 5 to 21 with intellectual and related developmental disabilities.

The six-week program operates from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday during summer months. This year, it will begin July 2 and will end Aug. 9.

The program will operate at three locations: North Rowan Middle School, South Rowan High School and Granite Quarry Elementary School.

The program offers training in self-help skills, academics, personal and social skills, sensory development, communication skills, and gross and fine motor skills. Daily activities include educational and social experiences for children according to their needs established in their Individual Education Plan. These include indoor and outdoor activities and weekly field trips.

Having this program allows children to maintain and practice academic skills from their Individual Education Plan that would not otherwise be taught during the summer.

The progress that each child makes during the summer is rewarding: a child being able to complete a math problem on his own, learning to tie his shoes, learning to read new words, writing the words or sentences down, learning to socialize with peers appropriately, and transitioning from one thing to another, as examples.

The program also provides fun opportunities that some of the children would not experience if they did not attend.

The Arc of Rowan Summer Day Program is licensed according to standards established by the North Carolina Child Day Care Licensing Division and the Division of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services. It is reviewed and evaluated annually.

Staff members are required to take part in training in first aid and basic curriculum. All staff members undergo criminal background and federal registry checks as required by the state.

The Arc of Rowan partners with Rowan-Salisbury Schools to operate this program. The school system provides the locations, meals, transportation and an assistant. The program is supported by the United Way and by grants, parent fees, local civic groups and donations.

For more information on how to enroll a child in the program, contact the Arc of Rowan office at 704-637-1521 for an application. Visit www.thearcofrowan.org for more information.

Enrollment has already begun.

The Arc of Rowan is a Rowan County United Way agency.