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# Achievement Academy

Assist Children with Special Needs - Ages 0-3

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://achievementacademy.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://achievementacademy.com/newsroom/)
- [Achievement Academy Principal Recognized as Champion School Leader](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-principal-recognized-as-champion-school-leader/) - Congratulations to Achievement Academy’s school principal, Cindi Parker-Pearson, who was recognized as a Champion School Leader at the State Charter School conference in Orlando on November 11, 2015. This event is coordinated by The Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools and recognizes extraordinary charter school champions across the state. Cindi Parker-Pearson was one of only
- [Thank you to Publix Super Markets Charities](https://achievementacademy.com/thank-you-to-publix-super-markets-charities/) - We are extremely grateful to Publix Super Markets Charities for their $20,000 donation to our Birth to Three program. Kelly Williams-Puccio presented the check to Principal, Cindi Parker-Pearson. Thank you Publix Super Markets Charities for partnering with Achievement Academy!
- [Achievement Academy Staff Nominated](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-staff-nominated-2/) - Two Achievement Academy staff members were nominated by their colleagues to represent Achievement Academy at an awards ceremony to be held on March 14, 2016 for charter schools in Polk County. Monica Franklin, Lakeland teacher, was honored as our Teacher of the Year and Laurie Turner, Early Interventionist and School Nurse, was honored as our
- [Achievement Academy staff recognized at Polk County Charter School banquet](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-staff-recognized-at-polk-county-charter-school-banquet/) - Two Achievement Academy staff members were nominated by their colleagues to represent Achievement Academy at an awards ceremony that was held March 14, 2016 for charter schools in Polk County. Monica Franklin, Lakeland teacher, was honored as our Teacher of the Year and Laurie Turner, Early Interventionist and School Nurse, was honored as our Support
- [Top Chef of Polk County 2016 Winners](https://achievementacademy.com/top-chef-of-polk-county-2016-winners/) - Congratulations to Chef Ronald Mayer of Florida Presbyterian homes for being crowned "Top Chef of Polk County" for the second year in a row! To see a list of all of the winners from this year, click here.
- [Achievement Academy Article Published in The Lakelander](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-article-published-in-the-lakelander/) - Check out the article about Achievement Academy in the October Kids Issue of the Lakelander on Pages 32-40!
- [Libertore Matches $5,000 in Funds for Achievement Academy](https://achievementacademy.com/libertore-matches-5000-in-funds-for-achievement-academy/) - We, along with several other nonprofits in Polk County, were fortunate to be selected by the The Libertore Fund For Children as one of the recipients of their #GivingTuesday campaign! We met our $5,000 match goal in just two days! With matching funds from The Libertore Fund, the funds we raised from donations from generous people in
- [Achievement Academy Staff Nominated](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-staff-nominated/) - Two Achievement Academy staff members were nominated by their colleagues to represent Achievement Academy at an awards ceremony to be held on April 24, 2017 for charter schools in Polk County. Missy Kopp, Lakeland teacher, was honored as our Teacher of the Year and Rebecca Lidle, Lakeland paraprofessional, was honored as our Support Person of
- [Commissioner Adam Putnam Served as Honorary Chair of Top Chef of Polk County](https://achievementacademy.com/commissioner-adam-putnam-served-as-honorary-chair-of-top-chef-of-polk-county/) - Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam Putnam served as Honorary Chairman for the Achievement Academy’s third annual “Top Chef of Polk County” event, which was held on Monday, April 10, at the Lakeland Center. “I am honored to be asked and happy to serve as Honorary Chair of the Top Chef of Polk County that will support the
- [Chef Chris Worley of Terrie Lobb Catering, Winner of Top Chef of Polk County 2017](https://achievementacademy.com/chef-chris-worley-of-terrie-lobb-catering-winner-of-top-chef-of-polk-county-2017/) - Congratulations to the Winner of Top Chef of Polk County 2017 – Chef Chris Worley of Terrie Lobb Catering! Other awards presented at the Top Chef of Polk County Event on Monday, April 10th, included: From the Professional Culinary Panel of Judges:Best Appetizer - Chef Matt Fulwood, Blue Palmetto Café at Bok Tower GardensBest Entrée
- [Top Chef of Polk County Article Published in Heartland Living](https://achievementacademy.com/top-chef-of-polk-county-article-published-in-heartland-living/) - Check out the article featuring our Top Chef of Polk County 2017 event in the June/July Issue of the Heartland Living magazine on pages 100-105!
- [Community Partners throughout Polk County Invest in Children](https://achievementacademy.com/community-partners-throughout-polk-county-invest-in-children/) - Many individuals and companies from across Polk County helped Achievement Academy this summer. While children were out of school playing and enjoying their summer vacation, volunteers pitched in behind the scenes to make a huge difference at all three of our campuses. Gator Giles, owner of Gator Pressure Cleaning & Custom Painting, Inc. of Winter
- [Watson Clinic Foundation Helps to Save Lives with Donation to Achievement Academy](https://achievementacademy.com/watson-clinic-foundation-helps-to-save-lives-with-donation-to-achievement-academy/) - Thank you to the Watson Clinic Foundation for donating an automated external defibrillator (AED) to our Lakeland campus. This unit will provide a potentailly life-saving piece of equipment for our students and staff. Read the full article here. Pictured: (L-R) Steve Earley, Achievement Academy Board Member; Laurie Turner, RN, Achievement Academy School Nurse; Louis Saco,
- [George C. Forsythe Family Foundation Funds  CPR Materials for Achievement Academy](https://achievementacademy.com/george-c-forsythe-family-foundation-funds-cpr-materials-for-achievement-academy/) - The George C. Forsythe Family Foundation provided funding for CPR materials and training for the staff of Achievement Academy. The items included junior and baby training mannequins, Heartstart trainer pads and CPR instructor training cost. “This training is vital to all 62 staff members. They will master and keep their certifications current to save lives
- [Dedicated Donors provide Achievement Academy’s Winter Haven Campus with AED](https://achievementacademy.com/dedicated-donors-provide-achievement-academys-winter-haven-campus-with-aed/) - Steve and Sandy Earley recently presented the Achievement Academy with an automated external defibrillator (AED) for its Winter Haven campus. An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are used to treat sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a condition
- [Achievement Academy Staff Member Honored at Florida Charter School Conference](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-staff-member-honored-at-florida-charter-school-conference/) - Achievement Academy's Lead Teacher, Susan Shipe, was honored recently at the Florida Charter School Conference in Daytona Beach. Susan was recognized by the Florida Consortium of Public Charter Schools as a 2017 Charter School Champion Teacher. She has taught at Achievement Academy for more than 20 years and in 1997 was a founding member of
- [Achievement Academy Article Published in Heartland Living Magazine](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-article-published-in-heartland-living-magazine/) - A wonderful article written about Achievement Academy is featured in the December 2017/January 2018 Issue of the Heartland Living Magazine. Check it out on pages 42-60: https://issuu.com/heartlandlivingmagazine/docs/heartland_living_magazine_dec-jan_i
- [Article Published in Polk Life Magazine featuring Achievement Academy Lead Teacher, Susan Shipe](https://achievementacademy.com/article-published-in-polk-life-magazine-featuring-achievement-academy-lead-teacher-susan-shipe/) - An article featuring Achievement Academy Lead Teacher, Susan Shipe, was published in the December 2017 issue of the Polk Life Magazine. Check out the article on page 18: http://cdn.coverstand.com/33202/460907/4f8ebe4445ad9c7d1650f054a3a91dcc8cff503f.pdf
- [Achievement Academy Staff Nominated for Awards](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-staff-nominated-for-awards/) - Two Achievement Academy staff members were nominated by their colleagues to represent Achievement Academy at an awards ceremony to be held in April 2018 for charter schools in Polk County. Nicole Jackson, Lakeland teacher, was honored as our Teacher of the Year and Trista Brown, Physical Therapist, was honored as our Support Person of the
- [Achievement Academy Receives Approval for Renewal of Accreditation](https://achievementacademy.com/achievement-academy-receives-approval-for-renewal-of-accreditation/) - Achievement Academy received final approval for renewal of our accreditation by the AdvancEd Accreditation Commission at its meeting held on March 30, 2018. This accreditation is valid through June 30, 2023.
- [Congratulations to Chef Chris Worley from Terrie Lobb Catering Inc. for being the “Top Chef of Polk County 2019.”](https://achievementacademy.com/congratulations-to-chef-chris-worley-from-terrie-lobb-catering-inc-for-being-the-top-chef-of-polk-county-2019/)
- [Mayor Bill Mutz visits Achievement Academy](https://achievementacademy.com/mayor-bill-mutz-visits-achievement-academy/) - We are so thankful for the support of Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz. He stopped by to spend time with our students to see firsthand the amazing things happening at Achievement Academy!
- [Congratulations to Chef Brandon Bailey with Terrie Lobb Catering for being awarded Top Chef of Polk County 2020!](https://achievementacademy.com/congratulations-to-chef-brandon-bailey-with-terrie-lobb-catering-for-being-awarded-top-chef-of-polk-county-2020/)
- [The Libertore Fund for Children awards grant to the Achievement Academy](https://achievementacademy.com/the-libertore-fund-for-children-awards-grant-to-the-achievement-academy/) - The Libertore Fund for Children has awarded a grant to the Achievement Academy’s Birth to Three program to help fund their Hospital to Home initiative. With the new Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children's Level III NICU, more premature babies are now being born in Polk County instead of surrounding counties. Early Interventionists

## Pages

- [Home](https://achievementacademy.com/) - Creating Brighter Futures for Children with Special Needs Achievement Academy (formerly Child Development Center of Polk County, Inc.) has served children with developmental delays and disabilities for more than 68 years. Opening in 1955 as United Cerebral Palsy, Achievement Academy has expanded over the years to include children with various types of developmental delays or
- [Staff](https://achievementacademy.com/staff/) - Staff To email staff directly, click on the names below. Bartow Teachers Melissa CroftMarisol Vega Paraprofessionals Tammy BringgerBaker GelissenTanisha Clayton Therapists Katie Shelnitz – Physical Therapist Cathy Seifer – Speech Therapist Lauryn Wheeler – Occupational Therapist Lakeland Teachers Sabrina FragaLaura BeardJamie Hagan Nicole Jackson Missy Kopp Ayesha BoydStacey Robinson Jennifer WarnockSusan ShipeSara White Paraprofessionals Jasmine BrewtonDestiny Wimberley Tina McClendonAshley JacksonDiana PierceTerri PittsTammie AndreSydnie MauldinStephanie StarlingMignon BryantAyesha RogersSarah WyattMary
- [Employment](https://achievementacademy.com/about/employment/) - Employment Achievement Academy is a Drug-Free workplace and all candidates will be fingerprinted and successfully background screened through the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse prior to hiring. Click here for more information https://info.flclearinghouse.com.Open PositionsTeachersNone available at this time.ParaprofessionalsWe are hiring classroom paraprofessionals for our Lakeland school for the 2026/27 school year. This position works
- [School Calendar/Supply List](https://achievementacademy.com/about/school-calendar/) - School Calendar/Supply List Upcoming School Year Achievement Academy will be following the traditional school calendar for Polk County Schools for the 2025-2026 school year.You can view the Polk County School District calendar here. Please note that, while there is information concerning early release days included, we do not participate in early release and these days
- [Board Meeting Dates](https://achievementacademy.com/about/board-meeting-dates/) - Board Meeting Dates The Achievement Academy Board of Directors will hold its Executive Committee and regular Board meetings for the 2026-2027 year on the following dates:Executive Committee Meeting DatesBoard of Directors’ Meeting DatesAugust 18thAugust 18thSeptember 15thSeptember 15thOctober 20thOctober 20thNovember 17thNovember 17thDecember 15thDecember – no meetingJanuary 19thJanuary 19thFebruary 16thFebruary 16thMarch 23rd March 23rdApril 20th April 20thMay 18thMay 18thJune
- [Charter School](https://achievementacademy.com/programs/charter-school/) - Charter School Exceptional Student Education (ESE) PreK classrooms ESE PreK classes offer educational services to children with special needs ages two through five years old, which may include: Small class size with individualized attention. Developmentally appropriate goals and activities. Active parent participation. Individual speech, physical, and occupational therapies. Hearing and vision services. Assistive technology. The two main criteria
- [Newsletters](https://achievementacademy.com/newsroom/newsletters/) - Newsletters Applause News – Spring 2026Applause News – Spring 2025Applause News – Spring 2024Applause News – Fall 2023Applause News – Spring 2023Applause News – Fall 2022Applause News – Spring 2022Applause News- Fall 2021Applause News- Spring 2021Applause News- Fall 2020Applause News-Spring 2020Applause News-Fall 2019Applause News-Spring 2019Applause News-Fall 2018Applause News- Fall 2017Applause News- Spring 2017Applause News- Fall
- [Topgolf Tampa 2026](https://achievementacademy.com/topgolf-tampa/) - Join us for Achievement Academy’s 4th Annual Topgolf Tampa Fundraising Event Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.Gather your team of six and step into a world of delicious food and exciting golf games all in the comfort of Topgolf’s state-of-the-art, climate-controlled bays. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just here for the
- [Birth to Three Program](https://achievementacademy.com/programs/birth-to-three/) - Birth to Three Program Philosophy Our Birth to Three program offers early intervention services to children up to three years of age who may be at-risk for developmental delays due to a variety of factors, including prematurity, social/emotional issues, environmental issues, or a parent’s concern about their child’s development.We also provide early intervention services to
- [Programs](https://achievementacademy.com/programs/) - Programs The Achievement Academy has two programs that offer the same goal in each one, to maximize each child’s potential. Birth to Three The Birth to Three Program currently serves 200 infants and toddlers each month in their homes with one-on-one early intervention services throughout Polk County. Funded by United Way of Central Florida and donors in
- [Charter School Documentation](https://achievementacademy.com/about/charter-school-documentation/) - Charter School Documentation Minutes of Board of Directors Meeting March 2026 MinutesFebruary 2026 MinutesJanuary 2026 MinutesNovember 2025 MinutesOctober 2025 MinutesSeptember 2025 MinutesAugust 2025 minutes Annual Budget 2025-26 Annual Budget IRS Form 990 2024 Form 9902023 Form 9902022 Form 990 Audited Financial Statements 2024-25 Audited Financial Statements2023-24 Audited Financial Statements2022-23 Audited Financial Statements Internet Safety/Personal
- [Sponsors](https://achievementacademy.com/copy-sponsors/) -  Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors! Exclusive Presenting Sponsor Master Chef Sponsor Head Chef Sponsors Sous Chef Sponsors Dessert Sponsors 4-D Engineering LLC ACF Solutions Mike & Gina Brossart John & Trish Buchanan Central Florida Health Care Citizens Bank & Trust CPS Investment Advisors John & Ghia Clyatt Lipson Pain Institute Mulling
- [Board of Directors](https://achievementacademy.com/about/board/) - Board of Directors td>ChairTrish BuchananRetired, Publix Super Markets, Inc.1st Vice ChairAdil KhanLASR Investments, Inc.2nd Vice ChairSheilitha Williams SecretaryKarli Wilkinson4-D EngineeringTreasurerPaige CampbellCliftonLarsonAllen (CLA)Immediate Past ChairMike BrossartCity of Lakeland Zelda AbramMIDFLORIDA Credit Union Logan BrowningBank of Central Florida Steve EarleyRetired, Mosaic Jill HaladayLakeland Regional Health Janice JonesRetired, CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Ana KalmanLakeland Regional Health Joe LittleBernie Little Distributors Brant MastersSouthern Homes Jesse NaranjoTaaP Liz PlemonsPublix Super Markets, Inc. Carly ReifenrathPalletOne Nicholas SellarsPeterson &
- [Top Chef of Polk County 2026](https://achievementacademy.com/top-chef-of-polk-county-2026/) - What an incredible night! Thank you, Polk County, for your continued support of our mission and the children we serve. Congratulations to Chef Dustin Olson of Fat Maggie’s for claiming THE Top Chef of Polk County 2026 title with his dish of Seared Lamb with spring herbs, paired with a Habanero Blueberry French 75. Chef Blake Jones
- [Chefs](https://achievementacademy.com/copy-chefs/) -  Thank you to our incredible Chefs competing for the title of Top Chef of Polk County 2026! Featured Chefs: Chef Taylor AndersonMaritime Chef Kevin AydelottThe Cultivated Pig Chef Jon BurnsTantrums Flightside Cafe & Catering Chef Chris CamaretThe Terrace Grille Chef Ken JamesPlates on Deck Chef Blake JonesCob & Pen Chef Kaelani LeoneCob & Pen Events & Catering
- [Community Leaders](https://achievementacademy.com/communityleaders2026/) -  Thank you for supporting our Community Leaders in their quest for the title of Top Philanthropic Community Leader! Explore their stories and discover how you can help! Community Leaders: Omar Arroyo and JulianCity of Haines CitySupport Team Omar and Julian Chad Barron and KareemA Higher Calling Consulting LLCSupport Team Chad and Kareem Rodney Carter and
- [Right Column](https://achievementacademy.com/right/) - DONATE Achievement Academy: Birth to Three
- [Resources](https://achievementacademy.com/parents/resources/) - Resources Attention Deficit Disorder:http://www.chadd.org Website contains information on the disorder, links to resources in the community including support groups, professional help, and your rights within the school system.Autism:http://www.florida-card.org/index.htm Phone: 850-245-0475http://card-usf.fmhi.usf.edu/index.html CARD- Center for Autism and Related Disabilities at USF Address: 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd. MHC 2113A Tampa, FL 33612-3899 Phone: 813-974-2532https://cfl.ucf-card.org/ Center for Autism and
- [How To](https://achievementacademy.com/about/how-to/) - How To Access Student Code of ConductPolicies, Procedures & Forms – Polk County Public SchoolsReport Professional MisconductCindi Parker-Pearson, Principal, 863-683-6504Kristin Aiken, President/CEO, 863-683-6504Report Child AbuseAbuse Hotline | Florida DCFMake a Public Records RequestTo make a public records request, contact the Records Custodian, Deborah Sulsona, at deborahs@achievementacademy.com or 863-683-6504.To facilitate parent involvement, provide access to information,
- [Birth to Three Resources](https://achievementacademy.com/parents/birth-to-three-resources/) - Birth to Three Resources The following videos are for infants from birth to nine months:Baby Sensory, Bach for Baby (13-minute YouTube video): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5baf5YUmegHey Bear Sensory (2+-hour YouTube video):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwhFNvfNVPkMake a Baby Stop Crying (10-minute YouTube video):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLFjYVN3dIoMake a Baby
- [Educational Resources](https://achievementacademy.com/parents/educational-resources/) - Educational Resources ABC Mouse Learning Academywww.abcmouse.comStar Fallwww.starfall.comHighlights Kidswww.highlightskids.comABCyawww.abcya.comNational Geographic Kidswww.kidsnationalgeographic.comPBS kidswww.pbskids.orgNick Jrwww.nickjr.comSesame Streetwww.sesamestreet.orgBaby TVwww.babytv.comSeussvillewww.seussville.comStoryline Onlinewww.storylineonlineSome resources for children to continue progressing in their gross motor skillsCosmic Kids Yoga 2 weeks freehttps://www.cosmickids.com/category/watch/Preschool Movement and Musichttps://www.prekinders.com/brain-breaks-music-movement-songs-kids/35 Gross Motor Activities for Preschoolershttps://handsonaswegrow.com/gross-motor-activities-prescho…/At-Home Activity Guidehttps://www.zerotothree.org/resources/3264-at-home-activity-guideCDC Developmental Milestones ChecklistCDC’s Developmental Milestones | CDC
- [Therapy](https://achievementacademy.com/programs/therapies/) - Therapy At the Achievement Academy’s three locations our therapy program consists of Individual Physical, Speech, and Occupational Therapy. In every one-on-one therapy session, our therapist’s focus is simple – to help each child achieve their full potential. Therapists work closely with teachers and parents in a collaborative team approach that makes sure each child is
- [Ways to Give](https://achievementacademy.com/ways-to-give/) - Ways to Give Your partnership can change the lives of infants who are at-risk for developmental delays and children with special needs. We can’t do it without you and we have made it easy to give in ways that suit you best. We also invite you to tour our school to see first-hand the lives that
- [Locations](https://achievementacademy.com/contact-us/) - Contact Us Send Message Locations Achievement Academy has facilities in Lakeland, Bartow, and Winter Haven. Give us a call at the Lakeland location today. Whether you need information, enrollment or a shoulder to lean on, we can help – and we will.The Lakeland facility has been at 716 E. Bella Vista Street since 1967. This facility includes ten
- [Testimonials](https://achievementacademy.com/see-what-families-have-to-say-about-achievement-academy/) - Testimonials See what families have to say about Achievement Academy… Submitted by Winston’s mom, CatikaI’m very grateful for the Birth to Three program and for Mrs. Becky, our Early Interventionist, for helping my son improve his social and language skills. My son, Winston, was not focused at all, was all over the place, and I
- [Video Links](https://achievementacademy.com/newsroom/video-links/) - Video Links Birth to Three Testimonial Highlights from the “Top Chef of Polk County 2019” event. Jen Lay, Advisory Board Member, shares why she loves Achievement Academy. Hannah Holjes gives her testimony at the YMCA Breakfast.
- [Strategic Plan](https://achievementacademy.com/strategic-plan/) - Achievement Academy's Strategic Plan The Achievement Academy’s Board of Directors adopted the current Strategic Plan in the Fall of 2021, following a one-day Board Retreat. Since that time, the Board members and their committees have been working diligently towards these goals. As of August 2022, the following objectives have been accomplished: Organizational Staffing and Structure
- [About](https://achievementacademy.com/about/) - About Mission Statement To give children the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential by providing early intervention, education, therapy, and family support to those with special needs or at-risk for developmental delays. Philosophy To participate with children who have special needs and their families in adapting to personal challenges and developing skills to promote optimal
- [Mission and Philosophy](https://achievementacademy.com/about/mission-and-philosophy/) - Mission and Philosophy Mission Statement To give children the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential by providing early intervention, education, therapy, and family support to those with special needs or at-risk for developmental delays. Philosophy To participate with children who have special needs and their families in adapting to personal challenges and developing skills to
- [History](https://achievementacademy.com/about/history/) - History It all began in 1955 with a group of parents who had a dream: a place in Polk County that provided education, therapies and services for their children with cerebral palsy. At that time, federal law had not yet been established to mandate free, appropriate public education to all children. This dream materialized in
- [Parents Area](https://achievementacademy.com/parents/) - Parents Area Enrollment All of our services are FREE of charge for children and families in Polk County. We are able to provide these services at no cost to you because of the funding that we receive from United Way, Florida Education Finance Program (FEFP), and generous donors.If you are interested in Achievement Academy’s Birth to
- [Site Map](https://achievementacademy.com/map/) - Site Map
- [Student Applications](https://achievementacademy.com/programs/student-applications/) - Student Applications Charter School ApplicationBirth to Three Referral Form
- [Privacy](https://achievementacademy.com/privacy/) - Privacy Achievement Academy Privacy PolicyAchievement Academy, Inc., a Florida not for profit corporation (“Achievement Academy”) is committed to keeping any and all personal information collected of those individuals who visit our website and make use of our online facilities and services accurate, confidential, secure and private. This Achievement Academy Privacy Policy (our “Privacy Policy”) has
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