Programs and Services

Evaluation and Assessment
Sunshine Center provides evaluation and assessment services to determine a child's need for special education, speech therapy, physical therapy or occupational therapy. Evaluations may be completed at our center or in the child's home.

Therapy
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Occupational therapists develop personalized programs to help improve fine motor skills and perceptual motor skills. Occupational Therapy is available for children to the age of 21 years.

Speech and Language Therapy (ST)
Speech and language therapists provide individualized therapy on a regular basis. Special screenings to detect hearing problems are also conducted. Speech and Language Therapy is available for children to 21 years of age.

Physical Therapy (PT)
Individualized programs are developed for children who need assistance with gross motor skills. Physical Therapy is available for children to 21 years of age.

Education
Preschool program
The preschool program provides special education classroom instruction for children from three to five years of age that are developmentally delayed. School districts may also contract for special education services to children.

Early Childhood Program
Year-round early childhood programs, including the Missouri Preschool Project and Early Head Start, are available for all children.

School Program
Special education classroom instruction is available for children ages five to 21 years of age through their local school district.

Childcare
Sunshine Center is open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to provide childcare to children with and without developmental disabilities.

Food Service Program
Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are provided to all students five days a week.

Nursing Services
A full-time registered nurse provides pediatric nursing care for all children enrolled in Sunshine Center.

Home Based Services
Home-Based Early Childhood Special Education
Special educators provide services to children in their own home or other childcare center. Occupational, speech and physical therapists will also provide services in the child’s home or other location through the Missouri First Steps program.

Home Visitation Program
The Home Visitation Program provides assistance for low-income families and their children from birth to 3 years old. A Parent/Child Educator will visit monthly and assist the family to better understand their child’s development with appropriate materials, screenings and resources. This program is available to families who live in Jackson, Cass or Lafayette counties in Missouri. This program also offers the family the opportunity to meet and interact with other families and children through scheduled playgroups and events. Please contact Charlotte Melson at 816-833-2088 for more information.

Success by 6 Resource Center
A free lending library open to the community. It contains toys, books, games and educational materials that can be checked out for children by parents, grandparents, teachers and caregivers. Resources on a variety of subjects are also available. Hours are: Monday 9 to Noon; Wednesday 2:30pm to 5:30pm and Friday 9 to Noon. For more information, call Charlotte Melson at 833-2088