Editor,

Toddler Learning Center would like to express its appreciation of the article written by the Whidbey News-Times regarding the Stuart family, autism and the importance of early intervention.

We are grateful for our ability to provide early intervention services for Whidbey Island families for the past 29 years and are honored to have the ability to continue.

Federal, state and county funds are 80 percent of our revenue. Before such funding existed, and to this day, our ability to provide best proactive intervention services on Whidbey Island is due to the dedication and support of our staff and community.

Twenty percent of our funding is achieved through organizations such as Island County United Way, Island Thrift, NAS Whidbey Officers Spouses Club, Northwest Children’s Fund, church organizations, individual donations, annual auction fundraiser, Lions Club, Rotary Club, Soroptimist, Whidbey Island local businesses, in-kind donations, grant writing, volunteer hours, medical insurance, family private pay and Skagit Valley College.

On behalf of the board and Toddler Learning Center, I would like to express my deep appreciation to these organizations and the community for their vital support in helping to provide the services children and families need for optimum growth and development.

Cheryl Meyer

Board president

Toddler Learning Center