We’re All in This Together - By Sonya Clark

My greatest challenge with Early Childhood Education in my region has been finding services for my son with special needs.

Right now, we need Behavioral Health Services to address challenging behaviors. I’ve tried reaching out to some centers in our area for ABA therapy, but they only provide services to children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and my son has Down's Syndrome, which disqualifies us from being able to receive help.

The closest place that will provide ABA therapy is in St. Louis (two hours away). We’re currently on the waiting list for a place in St. Louis, but I’m unsure of how long it will take to receive services and how I will coordinate making trips to St. Louis with my current work schedule.

Also, affordable child care options for families who work outside of the traditional 8am-4pm hours is another need in our area. Like a lot of other parents and caregivers, I work evening hours. Having child care options in the evening would help prevent caregivers from missing work or having to quit their job entirely because of lack of child care.