In a heartfelt continuation of care for children with developmental disabilities in Richmond County, Early Start Intervention Services is honored to announce its relocation to the former Sandhills Children's Center campus at 108 Crow Run.
This transition, set to begin in August 2025, represents not just a move — but a mission-driven expansion of services rooted in the values of compassion, progress, and community.
Sandhills Children's Center announced the closure of its Rockingham campus earlier this spring, with operations scheduled to officially end on July 31, 2025. As that transition approaches, the building's purpose and spirit will live on in a new form. Early Start will transition its existing programs — Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children with Autism and Bright Sparks Academy — into the newly named Early Start Center for Learning & Development.
"We understand how deeply families feel about this building and the memories it holds," said Dr. Amber Watkins, CEO of ESIS. "Our own son Elias attended Sandhills for three years, and we will always be grateful for the warmth and nurturing care he received there.
“As we move forward, we're already expanding our services to better meet the growing needs of this community. This facility allows us to offer more comprehensive support combining ABA therapy, education, and future early learning opportunities within a space that reflects our mission: to partner with families in delivering joyful learning experiences, therapeutic growth, and compassionate care from preschool through adolescence."
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A Deliberate and Respectful Transition
Early Start is leasing the facility with plans to purchase it within two years. While the location may be familiar, Early Start brings its own model of services and staffing, centered on Applied Behavior Analysis therapy and specialized education through Bright Sparks Academy. As a separate organization from SCC, our programs and enrollment processes are distinct. Families interested in learning more are encouraged to reach out ― ESIS welcomes all inquiries.
"Having grown up in Richmond County and through my experience in teaching, coaching, and school administration, I have had the privilege of working alongside many families here, I want to reassure everyone that we continue to strive to create the environment that we are parents of a child with Autism, want for our own son, an environment 'rooted in compassion, powered by progress, and united by purpose," said Derrick Watkins, chief operating officer.
"This is the next chapter for our organization-growing our services, broadening access, and building on what makes Richmond County so special."
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Services beginning in late August 2025 at the Early Start Center for Learning & Development include:
Future programming, including the Early Start Learning Center (Preschool), which is anticipated to open in fall 2025, expanding our ability to serve younger learners with compassionate, developmentally appropriate care and instruction.
Honoring the Community's Investment
In 2023, generous donations from local foundations and community partners made it possible to renovate the Crow Run campus. These contributions were given with the understanding that the facility would continue to serve children with developmental needs in Richmond County. Through this thoughtful transition, that purpose will continue.
"This is a partnership we've been exploring since the closure announcement, one that ensures much-needed services for Richmond County children will continue," said Chuck Goodman, Board chair of Sandhills Children's Center.
"We've worked with ESIS to ensure the campus-and the significant investments made by generous donors over the years—will remain dedicated to serving the families of this community."
This continued use of the campus affirms our shared values and a united commitment to Richmond County's children.
Celebrating Change, Rooted in Compassion
Dr. Amber Watkins and her husband, Derrick Watkins, bring a combined legacy of leadership and public service as former executive director of Exceptional Children's Programs and K12 Policies and high school principal, respectively, within the Richmond County School District. Their background in educational leadership, program design, and school administration guides the vision and operational excellence of ESIS and Bright Sparks Academy. Their journey included converting their own home, the current Fox Road campus, into a second clinic to meet rising demand for services in their rural community.
"Every family we serve becomes part of our extended mission,” said Dr. Watkins. "This move means shorter waitlists, more space to grow, and the ability to help even more children thrive in the very building that once supported our own child. We are not just moving in; we are planting roots."
Join Us on This Journey
Community members, former SCC families, and new families alike are invited to learn more about the programs available at the Early Start Center.
Bright Sparks Academy will begin the 2025-2026 school year at the new campus. Enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year opens winter 2025.
The Early Start Preschool and Developmental Day licensing are currently in development (TBA). Employment opportunities are available across clinical, instructional, and support roles.
To apply for services, join the interest list, or learn more, visit www.earlystartintervention.com or call 910-817-7009.
About Early Start Intervention Services, Inc.
Early Start Intervention Services is a values-driven provider of ABA therapy and specialized education for children with disabilities. Through evidence-based practice, family partnerships, and joyful learning, ESIS is committed to empowering every child's potential across all stages of development.
