Cerebral Palsy of Tri-County was started in 1957 by family members of individuals with Cerebral Palsy. Children with developmental delays or ones that are medically fragile have been able to acquire services over the past 60 years. This organization celebrated its 60th anniversary in January 2017. This agency is not affiliated with any national organization.
The Center serves as an area resource to other agencies and school districts. Cerebral Palsy of Tri-County is funded by charitable donations and center fees. Children enrolled are accepted no matter the reason for their developmental delays. Children with autism, genetic disorders, premature birth, traumatic brain injuries, etc. are routinely served. When there is available space, same aged peers or children from low income families may attend the licensed day care and preschool facility. The Center will accept state subsidy payments for daily center fees. Comprehensive children’s therapeutic services are provided each day in accordance with a child’s doctor’s orders or a Missouri First Steps’ Individual Family Service Plan. There are scholarships available for eligible children.
C.P. of Tri-County’s mission is to provide pediatric therapeutic services to children ages 6 months to 6 years, living in the Joplin Metro Area.
Cerebral Palsy of Tri-County accepts children from outside the Joplin Metro Area area if the parent provides transportation.
Children prescribed therapy(ies) may receive them at the Center. Types of therapies may include one or all of the following: special instruction, speech, language, physical, or occupational. When children are not in a therapy session they spend their day in a state-licensed pre-school environment. Bus transportation is provided within parts of Jasper County for those in need of it. The Center employs bilingual staff. Interpretation services are provided in Spanish and American Sign as needed.
The Center’s staff assists parents with finding funding sources for durable medical equipment as well as therapeutic services. The staff also assists with students’ transitions to public school from the First Steps Program to Early Childhood Special Education. The Center collaborates and cooperates with area school districts.
In Spring 2017, there were 228 post-secondary students completing a variety of learning experiences and internships at the center. These nursing, dental hygiene, education, occupational therapy assistant and masters level social work students gained valuable knowledge for their chosen professions, In turn, the Center’s children benefit from extra attention and care. These students are enrolled at Missouri Southern State University, Crowder College, Carthage Technical School, Northeastern Oklahoma A & M College (NEO), and Missouri State University. Local high school level child development and sociology students visit the center for specific projects, For many of these students this is their first experience interacting with a special needs child.
For more information please call: Christy Groves Graham Ed.D. Executive Director or Shelly Keeling, M.S. Center Director at 417-673-4940.