What's Happening at The Literacy & Learning Center

We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced GED (General Education Development) Teacher to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a passion for adult education, a strong background in GED instruction, and the ability to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

This new in-person course will be offered once a week for three months with the opportunity to extend based on performance and program needs.
We are currently seeking the collaboration of passionate teachers from surrounding schools for our summer camp program. If you have a flair for leading camps in areas such as art, academics, cooking, chess, STEM, or any other exciting subject, we invite you to be a part of our summer program. This is not just an opportunity to share your passion but also a chance to earn extra income during the summer break. 
As a member of the Highlands Chamber, The Literacy & Learning Center was a featured organization at the January Chamber Chat held at the Silver Creek Social House. These events promote networking and the exchange of ideas and information among community members.

Caroline Cox, Programs Manager, represented TL&LC and spoke on the day's topic of
Child Care with respect to TL&LC's youth programs. In particular, Caroline highlighted our After-School programs (After-School Enrichment for Kindergarteners through third graders and Homework Helpers for fourth through eights graders), the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (for children from birth to age five), and the coming Pre-K program for four- to five-year olds.
Highlands’ traditional Christmas Day Dinner was revived in 2023 by some long-time organizers with the help of The Rotary Club of Highlands and The Mountaintop Rotary. This event provides a place for locals and visitors to dine when most restaurants are closed and, perhaps more importantly, to come together in the spirit of the season. Funds raised were donated to three area non-profits: The Literacy and Learning Center, The Highlands Community Child Development Center, and The Gordon Center. Those who labored to make the event successful graciously donated $12,000 to each organization.  

We extend heartfelt thanks to all those who gave their time and energy during the holiday season.
The Literacy & Learning Center extends heartfelt thanks to The First Presbyterian Church of Highlands Tithe Fund. This fund gives each year to an entity, organization, or ministry that seeks to serve those in our community and beyond. TL&LC was chosen as one of the lucky recipients for 2023, receiving a very generous grant of $30,000 for our programs.

Pictured above are Kelley Connelly, Emily Wilmarth, Jenni Edwards, Jean Markley, and Marty Boone.
The Literacy & Learning Center also extends heartfelt thanks to the Rotary Club of Highlands for their contribution in support of childhood education.

Pictured above are Dave O'Harra with the Rotary Club, Carmen Waite with the Boys and Girls Club of the Plateau, Pat Hedden of HCCDC, and Bonnie Potts with TL&LC.
One of The Literacy & Learning Center’s eight-grade After-School students, Aiden Rogers, was named Rotary Club of Highlands’ Student of the Month for January 2024! 

This honor is a collaboration between Highlands School and the Rotary Club of Highlands. Each month, three students are selected by their teachers for being exemplary models of Rotary’s Highlander Pride. These students are identified based on four qualities:  
1. Doing the right thing
2. Learning something new every day
3. Treating others as they want to be treated themselves
4. Taking responsibility for their actions
Have you heard about The Literacy & Learning Center's new series for toddlers and their caretakers? These workshops are tailored for preschoolers and their parents or guardians. Organized and led by Carolyn Middlebrooks, Pre-K Director, the aim is to empower parents by demonstrating inventive ways to utilize everyday household items for their children's educational benefit. January's activity focused on fine motor skills. Please join us for the next session designed for three to five year olds!

Color Adventures
Friday, February 16
10 am

  • Colorful Storytime: Dive into the magical world of storytelling, where tales come alive with the help of colorful props and household items. This session enhances language development and fosters a love for literature.
  • Color Hunt: Children will embark on an exciting color scavenger hunt, searching for household items that match specific colors. This activity encourages observational skills and color recognition.
  • Sorting Spectacle: Get ready for a sorting extravaganza! Little learners will engage in hands-on sorting activities, using household items to categorize and organize objects by their colors. This activity promotes cognitive development and fine motor skills.


√ Curriculum Ordered

√ Certification and Licensing Efforts Ongoing

√ Classroom Set-up in Progress

√ Curriculum Received

√ Fire Code Updates in Progress

√ New Exit Door Installed

You can help shape the future of TL&LC's pre-K program by contributing to our Amazon registry. Visit the link below to explore the items and make a meaningful difference in their education. In particular, the items that are currently at the top of our list include:







However, every purchase, big or small, brings us closer to providing a nurturing environment for these children. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to their bright futures.


"If I have done anything, even a little,

to help small children enjoy honest, simple

pleasures, I have done a bit of good."

—Beatrix Potter

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