INCLUSIVE CENTER MAKES EFFORT TO KEEP GOING

The child development center formerly operated by Easter Seals has found temporary quarters in the former convent building at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Its relocation and reopening are a tribute to staff members and parents who took a proactive approach to the decision to close the center.

A change of name to the Me, Too! Education Center indicates the center's continued commitment to children with special needs.

Staff members and parents had to react quickly. Easter Seals of Missouri announced Feb. 25 that its center at 1912 Broadway would close March 10. Parents had two weeks to make other arrangements.

As a kindness both to the program and the community, St. Vincent de Paul is providing space for the center rent-free for up to 60 days.

The new center opened Monday in its new quarters with 17 children. The Easter Seals center was serving 50 children when the closing was announced. The new center expects enrollment to grow as the word spreads. Capacity will be 45 to 50 children from ages 6 weeks to 8 years old with or without disabilities.

The center operated by Easter Seals had suffered declining enrollments in recent years. Part of this was because several area public school systems have added disabled youngsters to regular classes. That is due to changes in educational policy along with state and federal laws. Still, the Woodland, Leopold and Nell Holcomb districts had contracted with Easter Seals to provide services for special-needs children.

But many of the parents feel the need still exists for before-school or after-school care.

Parents have praised the Easter Seals inclusive atmosphere where disabled and non-disabled children learned side by side. The new center will keep that same focus. But it's also important for many parents to have a center with staff specially trained and equipped to serve those with special needs.

Of course, the new center will face the same challenges as it attempts to offer a top-quality facility that is able to pay the expenses. Let's hope the enthusiasm of parents and staff members will help the center's enrollment grow as a way to offset potential financial difficulties.

For now, the center can turn its attention on finding permanent quarters.