The Laclede Early Education Program is designed to serve preschool children with developmental delays and their families in Laclede and surrounding counties for whom this is the nearest appropriate program. The children are identified through participation in preschool screening and public awareness leading to referrals from physicians, parents/guardians, Division of Family Services, Health Department, public schools, Springfield Regional Center, Rolla Regional Center, Parents As Teachers, and others.

The program is based on a commitment to assist not only preschool children with developmental delays, but also their families. Parents are the most important teachers of young children and are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of the program. They are encouraged to carry out the home therapeutic activities taught to them by the LEEP staff.

The Laclede Early Education Program began in 1979 with the goal of intervening in the lives of preschool children with developmental delays through educational stimulation.  It is very rewarding to see children, who show an indication of developmental delays, graduate from LEEP and move into regular classrooms or other appropriate placement.

Our Philosophy

The LEEP Program is a parent-child early intervention program serving the developmentally delayed preschool child from birth to five years of age, and his/her family. Services provided are based on a philosophy that each child is viewed as a whole person with a right to grow and develop to his/her potential in mobility, education, language, social, and personal skills. Enrollment numbers will be limited only in terms of space limitations and staff number (not to exceed DMH capacity determination of staff/child ration of 1:4). Every effort will be made to serve all children in need of the services provided by the program.

Program goals and objectives are based on the belief that the preschool child with developmental delays has the right to grow and develop to the fullest extent of his/her potential.