Early Childhood Resources in Buchanan County
Below, you will find resources that are helpful navigating life and concerns about a disability during the early childhood years.
Missouri First Steps
First Steps is Missouri’s Early Intervention system for infants and toddlers, birth to age three, who have delayed development or diagnosed conditions that are associated with developmental disabilities. The federal law governing First Steps is Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is the lead state agency responsible for implementing the First Steps program. First Steps is a voluntary program that provides families the tools they need to help their child be successful.
Early And Periodic Screening Diagnostic Treatment
The Healthy Children and Youth (HCY) Program in Missouri is a comprehensive, primary and preventive health care program for MO HealthNet eligible children and youth under the age of 21 years. The program is also known as the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) program. EPSDT covers regular screening services for infants, children and adolescents. These screenings are designed to identify health and developmental issues as early as possible.
Children’s Center For Visually Impaired (CCVI)
The CCVI Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to help infants and toddlers from their birth until the age of three. The program begins with an Initial Functional Vision Evaluation at CCVI to give a better understanding of each child’s specific needs. This play-based assessment establishes recommendations and influences goals. Based on the observations taken during the evaluation, CCVI collaborates to create an individualized learning approach. This educational plan focuses on maximizing the use of functional vision, minimizing developmental delays, and enhancing the development of al the senses.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from birth to age 5. In addition to education services, CAP St. Joe Head Start provides children and their families with health, nutrition, social, and other services.
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program
The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program provides assistance statewide for individuals from birth to age 21 who have or are at increased risk for a medical condition that may hinder their normal physical growth and development and who require more medical services than children and youth generally. The Program focuses on early identification and service coordination for individuals who meet medical eligibility guidelines. As payor of last resort, the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program provides limited funding for medically necessary diagnostic and treatment services for individuals whose families also meet financial eligibility guidelines.
Visit the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program page to find out more and apply.
Variety KC
Variety KC provides children with disabilities access to programs and services that empower them to redefine their abilities and reimagine their possibilities. They provide medical equipment, adaptive recreational equipment and more.
Parents as Teachers
Parents as Teachers offers infant and toddler play groups that are free. There are different locations for the activities that are involved. The group meets twice monthly.
YMCA Kids Club
Kids Club Child Watch program is a convenient child care service for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. This service is available to all Y members while attending a class, program or simply working out. Your child will benefit from caring, active supervision from trained staff. Kids Club is FREE to Family Facility members. It is also available for the community for $2 a visit.
Child Care Aware
Child Care Aware® of Missouri helps you make an informed, confident decision with their array of referral services:
- Search for child care using their searchable database to locate child care that meets your needs
- Personalized referrals and expert guidance to help you find care and navigate the subsidy process call 573-415-8605.
- Child Care Checklists and Helpful Information – Not sure how to choose the right child care? Our checklists and educational resources walk you through key questions and important things to look for so you can make an informed decsion. Helpful consumer education
- Help accessing local supports that meet real-life needs, including diapers, food assistance, utility help, housing resources, and other community-based services.
Missouri Parents Act (MPACT)
Missouri Parents Act (MPACT) is a non-profit. MPACT has been Missouri’s federally-funded Parent Training and Information Center since 1988. Their mission is to empower families to advocate for themselves so that children with special education needs can reach their full potential in education and life – through support, training, and education. MPACT helps families with children at all stages of life.
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