About Us

About Us

The Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. (LRC) was founded by the Junior League of Greater Lakeland, Inc. in 1975 to help students by providing personalized supplemental education programs and consulting services for parents. At that time it was known as the Learning Disabilities Center, and its primary purpose was to serve students with specific learning disabilities and provide support for their parents. The name changed in 1977 as programs for the learning disabled grew in the public school system, and LRC expanded its services to help all students maximize their learning potential.

From its humble beginnings as a small volunteer group working in borrowed space to today, LRC has over 500 highly qualified educational professionals who provide countywide services to over 3,500 students ages five through adult.

LRC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit United Way educational provider accredited by Cognia (AdvancED).

In 2023, Learning Resource Center received Cognia’s School of Distinction Award.The award recognizes schools and systems “that truly stand out in their service to learners…effectively implementing high-quality instruction, showing consistent organizational effectiveness, and maintaining a commitment tocontinuous improvement.”

LRC Vision

As the premier provider of high quality, customized academic opportunities, LRC will shape educational futures and will be the ultimate model of learning excellence in our region.

LRC Mission

The Learning Resource Center of Polk County, Inc. helps students maximize their learning potential by providing personalized educational programs, consultative services for parents, and programs to accommodate community needs.

LRC Core Values

• We believe education directly relates to the quality of life;
• We believe education includes social skills and life skills;
• We believe in sincerity and active caring for all learning needs;
• We believe resources include both financial and human assets;
• We believe we are a dynamic organization ready to change to meet the needs of individuals and the total community; and
• We believe in trustworthy and responsible management of our assets.

The LRC Approach

The Learning Resource Center offers an individual, customized approach to learning which enables each student the opportunity to reach their maximum potential. 

Activity-based lesson plans incorporate a variety of multisensory strategies to enhance visual, auditory, kinesthetic and tactile learning styles. 

Our services are customized to meet your child’s needs.

“Every child learns differently!”

WE CAN HELP!

2023-2024 Board of Trustees

Executive Committee

Trey Harden, III

President

Marshall Hurley

Treasurer

Robert “RJ” Elvester

Secretary

Marshall Hurley

Past President

Board of Representatives

Board of Directors

Dr. Kristen Hathcock

Kevin Kelley

Sara Oppenheimer

Lyle Phillipson

Jonathan Sieg

Jason Wyatt

2023-2024 Advisory Board

Joyce Barclay

Jon Brock

Jean Bunch

Matthew Cantrall

Michael Carter

Walt Engle

John Fitzwater

Dr. Lynn Grady

Dr. Sandy Hightower

Randy Hollen

Karen Kovach

Frank Lansford

Beth Miller

Bill Mutz

Elsa Nail

Richard Pellegrini

Dr. Larry Ross

Dr. Louis Saco

Jessica Shaw

Mark Thompson

Become a Board Member

If you are interested in becoming an LRC Board member, please contact Pamela Craven or let us know by clicking “Register Now”.

Meet the Staff

Pamela
Craven, Ph.D.

Executive Director

Cathie Wright

Director of Education

Beth Verplanck

Program Manager

Beverly Mansfield

Program Manager

Grace Vallier

Program Assistant

Lynne Lundeen

Program Assistant

Annette Miller

Program Manager

Sherry Rambali

Bookkeeper

Summer Petrac

Program Intern

Community Partners

FAQs

1. LRC requests student records from school: Assessment data, IEPs, Psychological/Staffing forms, current grade reports, and teacher checklists.
2. LRC can offer grade-level assessments, such as the BASIS for a small fee. This assessment does not diagnose learning disabilities, only grade level functionality.
3. Program Managers compile school records, teacher checklist, and parent input to formulate a Prescriptive Plan for each student.

1. LRC does not require parents to sign a contractual agreement for a set number of instructional hours. LRC suggests struggling students receive two hours per week of supplemental academic instruction. Research shows that students who are 1 year behind in academics need 30-36 hours of intensive supplemental academic instruction in order to catch up.
2. LRC requires four weeks of tutoring to be paid in advance before tutoring begins.
3. Parents can choose one hour or two hours per week. Program Managers and tutors will consult with parents on a suggested number of hours.

1. LRC is a community-based organization. Tutoring may take place at any of the following public locations: LRC, library, school (with permission from principal), local business, church, etc.
2. Tutoring may NOT take place at the student’s home.

1. LRC has a well-stocked, research-based library of curriculum available for tutors to use. Tutors may also use instructional materials from their personal education libraries, as well as materials your student brings from school.
2. LRC takes a multi-sensory approach to learning, meaning that tutors will use hands-on learning strategies to teach students the skills they are striving to acquire.

1. Many LRC tutors are currently certified teachers. LRC also employs retired teachers, substitute teachers, some paraprofessionals, and college students in their last year of an education major. LRC also employs several tutors with an expertise in specific subject areas such as upper level math, business/accounting, etc.

1. The tutoring schedule is determined by the parent and tutor. If the parent has specific scheduling needs, it is helpful to communicate those needs to LRC Program Managers before a tutor is assigned.

1. LRC is a nonprofit, United Way agency. As such, all fees are based on the gross, annual, household income and are offered on a sliding-fee scale.

1. LRC encourages parents to meet their student’s tutor and get to know them before and after tutoring sessions. However, a parent’s presence during a tutoring session often distracts the student from the task at hand. Parents are welcome to stay nearby. However, parents are asked to keep their distance during sessions.

1. The process of assigning a tutor begins when the parent returns the Educational Services Information Packet with the required fees. Program Managers analyze the information in the packet and make a match with tutors. Typically, it takes approximately one week to assign a tutor. In some situations, depending on circumstances, it can take longer.

1. If you would like to request a certain tutor due to recommendations or past experience, LRC welcomes your input.