Sisu, Integrated Early Learning

Sisu, formerly Challenged Child and Friends, was born when occupational therapist Jean Willers began providing services for a young boy critically injured in an automobile accident. Jean recognized a special spark in that young child and knew she could create an environment to accommodate his physical needs, foster his educational and social development and inspire him to reach his full potential.

In 1985, the organization incorporated as a nonprofit, offering educational, nursing, and family support services in addition to physical, occupational and speech therapy. In 1992, Challenged Child and Friends expanded to become a fully inclusive program serving children with disabilities alongside their typically developing peers.

Sisu (formerly Challenged Child and Friends) offers an integrated learning environment where children from 6 weeks to 6 years with special needs learn and interact alongside their typically developing peers.

We believe in fostering a courageous approach to life nurturing every child to reach his or her full potential. There is a unique spark in every child pushing him or her to accomplish more than ever dreamed possible.

Sisu is unique to the southeast and one of only a select few schools in the nation offering the convenience of education, therapy (occupational, physical, speech, pet, and musical), nursing, and family support services in one location. This interdisciplinary and collaborative approach results in a higher quality of care for children and creates an atmosphere where qualities such as compassion, acceptance, and kindness are developed and encouraged so our students go on to become good citizens and good friends.