How to Refer for Services: If you would like to refer a child for preschool screening or are concerned your child has a delay, you may contact us by calling LEEP for an appointment. During school hours, call 417-532-6528 and speak with the Director. After hours, you may leave a message and we will return your call. We can also be reached by fax at 417-532-2435, email at contact@leepprogram.com, or you may write to LEEP at P.O. Box 1023 Lebanon, MO 65536.

Services: Services provided by LEEP include four separate group sessions. Children, birth to 5 years of age, receive services by attending two half-days per week.   These children are enrolled in LEEP either (1) through Missouri First Steps Program (2) through contracted services with public schools for Young Children with Developmental Delays (YCDD) or (3) because although they do not meet First Steps or YCDD requirements, they are experiencing development delays (At-Risk) for which attendance at LEEP would be beneficial to them. Services are provided individually in conjunction with the child’s IFSP, IEP or Developmental Plan. Programming is designed to help the child meet educational objectives and goals. In cases for which it is recommended, children may receive speech/language therapy,developmental therapy, occupational therapy, and/or physical therapy provided by a Missouri licensed therapist as dictated by their individual plan.

Parent education is an integral part of all program components. Parents/guardians learn to carry out therapeutic activities in their home environment. LEEP initiates, directs, and carries out preschool screening annually for children birth to five years of age. Parent education is also a part of the preschool screening with information available regarding typical development, age appropriate toys, language activities, and other aspects of importance to parents/guardians and preschoolers. In addition, staff is available throughout the year to screen preschool children upon request. Following screening, referrals are made as indicated.

Cost of Services: The LEEP program is primarily funded by Laclede County taxpayers, and the services provided are free to any developmentally delayed child from birth to five years of age in Laclede County. Enrollment slots are available first to children with developmental delays or children at-risk. If space remains available after these children have been enrolled, children without developmental concerns can be enrolled by their parent/guardian for a nominal fee if space is available.