Infant Learning Program
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PIC History
Alaska's Infant Learning Program (ILP) began in 1975. The Anchorage ILP was the first of three programs formed that year. As the Infant Learning Program was not yet required by law, funding in those days was quite limited. The first ILP grant was only $25,000 for the entire state. Today, Alaska's Infant Learning Program budget exceeds $5.2 million statewide.
In 1978, the Department of Health and Social Services amended Alaska law, mandating statewide provision of educational services to children under the age of three with developmental delays and disabilities. Alaska was one of the first states to provide these early intervention services.
In the mid 1980's, Alaska's Infant Learning Program changed from a state-run program to a non-profit network of grantees around the state who receive funding to provide the services. PIC was founded in 1984 by a group of dedicated volunteers who formed the Agency's first Board of Directors. Mary Carr became the first Executive Director, and remained with the Agency for four years. Carol Barrier assumed the role of Executive Director in 1988, serving through fall 2004. PIC's current Executive Director is Amy Simpson, a Speech-Language Pathologist with a master's degree in non-profit management. Amy has enjoyed a long history with PIC, originally joining the Agency as a direct service provider.
PIC has experienced much growth over the years, tripling its staff since those early days. It currently employs over 40 staff members. PIC's direct service providers are highly-skilled and trained pediatric specialists from the fields of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, early childhood education, and social work. Backing up this team of caring individuals is a support staff comprised of Human Resources, Finance and Accounting, Information Technology, and Office Management. An eleven-member volunteer Board of Directors oversees the agency's overall activities and direction.