Becoming a parent is time-consuming, expensive and stress-inducing – and that’s with any child. If your child has special needs, the demands on your time and energy multiply. Fortunately, the best resources for special needs families in St. Louis can help. – Danielle Eickenhorst

(credit: churchillschool.org)

The Churchill Center & School for Learning Disabilities

1021 Municipal Center Dr.
Town & Country, MO 63131
(314) 997-4343
www.churchillschool.org

The Churchill Center and School in St. Louis is a facility for students with average or above average intelligence and a specific learning disability. Many times, these are children who have high potential but cannot succeed in a typical classroom. The school’s programs are structured to help those students learn strategies and overcome difficulties so they can eventually return to a regular classrooms. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Access the Arts & Troupe Broadway (Stages St. Louis)

444 Chesterfield Center
Chesterfield, MO 63017
(636) 530-5959
www.stagesstlouis.org

This unique program offers opportunities for children and teens with developmental delays or disabilities to participate in musical theater classes and workshops. Students with special needs can study singing, dance, and acting in classes taught by professionally trained teachers and special educators. In addition, the academy’s performance group, Troupe Broadway, offers on-stage experience to students teens and young adults with special needs. Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (year-round); Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (September through May).

The Belle Center

10916 Schuetz Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63146
(314) 692-8499
www.bellecenter.com

Through a Families as Partners Program, a Preschool Program, and an Outreach Therapy Program, the Belle Center strives to provide some of the best resources for special needs families in St. Louis, offering support and intervention for families with special needs children as early as possible. The center educates families about the resources available to them and teaches them to be advocates for their children in the community. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.