The Israel Putnam Homestead is a part of the TLC Rolling Ridge residential program. The Putnam Homestead is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its historic importance. Israel Putnam was born on the 7th day of January in 1718 and died at the farm in 1790. His father was a captain in the British Military. Israel Putnam, a local farmer, became a Connecticut and national hero for his military skills during the French and Indian wars, as a first marine in the capture of the Port of Havana, Cuba, leader of the defenses at Bunker Hill and a member of George Washington’s military leadership throughout the Revolutionary War.
General Putnam is described by his ‘aide de camp’ and biographer, Colonel David Humphreys, to have preferred the outdoors to the classroom, to be so “active” even in later life, that during meetings General Washington became impatient with him and ordered him to stay seated during war planning meetings. Israel Putnam left his schooling early. He depended on Colonel Humphreys to do all his military writing. He clearly had symptoms of what today we call an attention and learning disability.
The Putnam Homestead has been a working farm for over two hundred years, and it continues to be one.
- We are a certified wildlife habitat through the National Wildlife Federation
- Awarded Horse Farm of Environmental Distinction
- Farm Manager is a dually certified instructor through
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International)
American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA)
Certified Equine Specialist in EFMHL
Master Equine Manager
The Putnam Farm Program has been an integral part of the TLC Rolling Ridge Residential and Country Day School programs since 1986. Students have the option to participate in Farm daily; whether it is to feed the animals, part of a clinical contract, or to participate in the riding program. On weekends, residential staff and students assist in the care of the animals at the Farm. The aim of the farm program is to provide our students with authentic experiences with the care and enjoyment of the variety of animals.
We have a PATH International approved program and require that our Farm staff are PATH Intl certified instructors. Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, formerly known as NARHA, promotes equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with physical, mental and emotional challenges.
Our instructor is also a PATH Intl. certified Equine Specialist in Equine Facilitated Mental Health and Learning which incorporates unmounted learning experiences with our students. Activities include team building and enhancement skills for the workplace and daily use.
The Learning Clinic, Inc. is accredited by The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), with diploma granting privileges. TLC is a member of the National Association of Private Special Education Centers, licensed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families, and approved by the Department of Education of Connecticut, California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York (interim placement).