Meyer Center for Special Children has spent more than seventy years serving infants through age eight across the Upstate, providing individualized therapy and customized education for children with disabilities. For the first time in its history, the center is introducing something new – an innovative 4K Inclusion class designed to bring children of all abilities in one shared learning environment!
(Photo: Board President Elect, John Runion & Meyer Center students)
Opening in August, this one-of-a-kind program will offer a unique kindergarten readiness experience for Greenville families. With low adult-to-student ratio of 1:6 and enrollment capped at just twelve four year olds, the classroom is intentionally designed to foster meaningful interaction, individualized education, and strong developmental outcomes. Research consistently shows that inclusive classrooms benefit all students. Children learn not only academic concept, but also empathy, communication and adaptability – skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Studies indicate that typically developing students in inclusion settings often out perform their peers, while children with disabilities gain critical exposure to peer modeling in a natural school environment. “We’re offering Greenville families access to a truly unique kindergarten preparation experience, grounded in decades of proven best practice and led by one of the most skilled early childhood education teams in the Upstate,” says Executive Director, Meta Hendricks. The program aligns with South Carolina Early Learning Standards and incorporates GOLD and SMART Teach curriculum – approaches used by some of the highest ranked 4K programs across the state.
For the Meyer Center, the addition of an inclusion classroom fills a long-standing gap. While students have traditionally been prepared for integration into their zoned schools, they have not had the opportunity to experience that dynamic within the familiarity of the center itself. Until now. “For years, we have prepared our students for inclusion in their zoned schools, but they had to make the leap without ever having practiced it here,” Hendricks explains. “This program changes that. Our students get to demonstrate what they’re capable of alongside same-age peers, in the place they know and trust the most. That is a genuine game-changer for them.”
The program will run Monday through Friday from 7:30am-2pm, offering a balanced day of whole group and small group instruction, integrated academic and social learning, and intentional social-emotional development centered on cooperation and friendship. Enrichment opportunities will include music therapy, library visits, indoor/outdoor play, field trips and school-wide events – all within a play-based learning model. Seats are limited and filling up quickly! Families interested in enrolling can learn more and apply by visiting the Meyer Center website under the 4K Inclusion Program in the Programs section.
A Huge ‘Thank You’
This groundbreaking initiative was made possible in large part thanks to a $200,000 grant from Pacolet Milliken Their generous support funded the transformation of existing space into a fully equipped five hundred square foot classroom, along with first-year staffing, curriculum and essential startup materials. Within this new program, the Meyer Center continues its legacy of innovation – creating opportunities not just for children with disabilities, but for an entire community of learners growing stronger together.
On A More Personal Note
For me, this new chapter feels especially meaningful on a personal level. I first walked through the doors when I was nineteen years old. Over the next decade, the Meyer Center didn’t just shape my career, it shaped me. Meyer Center nurtured my heart for children with special needs and sparked a passion for special education. After stepping away for a season, I’ve found my way back, and now spend two days a week there! It is, without question, the highlight of my week.
Some people say Walt Disney World is the Happiest Place on Earth. I’d argue that it’s inside the walls of the Meyer Center for Special Children!