Special Learning Center - Jefferson City, Missouri

What Special Learning Center - Jefferson City, Missouri does

Special Learning Center (SLC) is a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) agency founded in 1986 in Jefferson City, Missouri, delivering comprehensive education, therapy, and family support services to children with developmental disabilities and delays — including cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and multiple rare genetic disorders — from birth through age 21. Core programs comprise Early Childhood Special Education with certified special-education teachers, the SKIP Clinic (Super Kids Infinite Possibilities) for outpatient and intensive therapy launched in 2017, Educational Therapy Services contracted to area public school districts, Inclusive Childcare (Crayon Kids) licensed by the State of Missouri for 42 children ages 6 weeks through 6 years, Missouri First Steps early intervention for infants and toddlers, Outreach & Family Support, the Nourishing Roots nutrition program, and Developmental Feeding Therapy. The clinical platform is differentiated by specialized therapy techniques and equipment including TheraSuit, TheraTogs, Universal Exercise Units, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Whole Body Vibration, GAITRite gait analysis, Dynamic Movement Intervention, Serial Casting, Spinal Stimulation, VitalStim/DINES, LSVT Loud for Kids, and Partial Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training, delivered by certified pediatric physical, occupational, and speech-language therapists.

The business model is a hybrid of fee-for-service reimbursement, government contracts, and charitable fundraising. Approximately 70% of the operating budget is sourced from government reimbursement — including Missouri First Steps program funding, contracts with Central Missouri public school districts, and other state-funded early intervention services — with some reimbursement rates set in the late 1980s and never increased. The remaining ~30% is generated through the SLC Foundation (a separate 11-trustee, 5-advisor board managing donor contributions and distributing only investment earnings), individual donations across $25-$2,500+ tiers, signature events such as the Tom Henke Charity Golf Classic (30-year partnership with Jefferson City Cosmopolitan Club, $1.3M cumulative raised), Capital City Cook-Off, and Perfect Pairings, plus ancillary consumer revenue from the childcare program and SKIP Clinic outpatient services. GTM motion is sales-led and referral-driven: school-district contracts for therapy, Missouri First Steps coordination, healthcare-provider and family referrals, and direct outreach through the Outreach & Family Support program.

The organization operates from two adjacent Jefferson City facilities — 2211 Stonehill Road (headquarters with ECSE classrooms, therapy, and childcare) and 2209 Stonehill Road (SKIP Clinic) — with therapists also traveling into schools and homes across the Central Missouri region. Leadership is headed by Executive Director and CEO Stephanie Johnson, supported by a Chief Program Officer (Jennifer Wright), CFO (Jeanne Case), Chief Development Officer (Janelle Haley), Education Director, SKIP Clinic Director, Director of Outreach & Family Support, Childcare Director, and Foundation Board governance. As of 2026, the agency is marking its 40th anniversary.

Name

Special Learning Center - Jefferson City, Missouri

Legal name

Special Learning Center

Website

https://speciallearningcenter.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Special Learning Center is a Jefferson City, Missouri nonprofit founded in 1986 that delivers education, pediatric therapy, inclusive childcare, and family support services to children with developmental disabilities from birth through age 21 in Central Missouri.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Pediatric Therapy and Special Education Services

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110), Child Care Services (62441), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Child Day Care Services (8351), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093), Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)

akta.pro primary industry

Special Needs Early Intervention & Preschool Programs (EDAKAAAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Pediatric Rehabilitation & Developmental Therapy Centers (PT/OT/SLP) (HLAFAJAL), Inclusive / Special-Needs Childcare Centers (EDACAAAH), Therapy-Integrated Childcare Support (coordination with OT/PT/SLP/ABA) (HSAAAIAM)

Keywords

• Pediatric therapy services
• Special education programs
• Early intervention services
• Developmental disability therapy
• Inclusive childcare services

Headquarters

HQ city

Jefferson City

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Reimbursement: Nearly 70 percent of the Special Learning Center budget is based upon reimbursement for services, including Missouri First Steps program, school district contracts, and other government-funded early intervention services. Some reimbursement rates were set in the late 1980s and have not increased since.
2. Donations: Individual donations at various levels ($25-$2,500+) support therapy, education, childcare, and outreach services. Donations also support specific programs like Nourishing Roots.
3. Event Revenue: Annual events including Capital City Cook-Off, Perfect Pairings dinner, and Tom Henke Charity Golf Classic generate revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, and donations.
4. SLC Foundation: The Special Learning Center Foundation accepts and manages contributions from individuals and businesses. Funds are invested and only earnings are distributed to support the agency, ensuring long-term viability.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Special Learning Center is a private, not-for-profit agency that delivers comprehensive education, therapy, childcare, and family support services to children with developmental disabilities and delays (cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and rare genetic disorders). Its portfolio spans Early Childhood Special Education, school-district-contracted therapy services, the SKIP Clinic outpatient/intensive therapy clinic, inclusive Crayon Kids childcare, Missouri First Steps early intervention, Outreach & Family Support, specialized therapy programs (Developmental Feeding, Intensive, Occupational, Physical, Speech), and the Nourishing Roots nutrition program.

Product overview

Special Learning Center offers a multi-program service portfolio focused on comprehensive education and therapy services for children with developmental disabilities. The core offerings include Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) with certified teachers and therapy services, Educational Therapy Services contracted to school districts, the SKIP Clinic providing outpatient and intensive therapy for children birth-21, Inclusive Childcare (Crayon Kids) for ages 6 weeks-6 years, Missouri First Steps early intervention, and Outreach & Family Support. Specialized therapy programs span Developmental Feeding Therapy, Intensive Therapy, Pediatric Occupational/Physical/Speech Therapy. Supporting initiatives include Nourishing Roots nutrition program, the Family Tree donor recognition, and the SLC Foundation for legacy giving. Therapy tools encompass AAC devices, Adapted Tricycles, Dynamic Movement Intervention, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Gait Analysis, and various specialized equipment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SKIP Clinic (Super Kids Infinite Possibilities): Outpatient and intensive therapy services clinic for children from birth through 21 years old, offering physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies.
• Crayon Kids Childcare Program
• Nourishing Roots

Products and services

• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) SLC's flagship program for qualifying young children (ages 3-5) with special needs, offering comprehensive classroom and therapy services delivered by certified early childhood special education teachers with individualized learning activities and physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy aligned to each child's IEP.
• Educational Therapy Services Pediatric physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy services contracted to Central Missouri area public school districts, with SLC therapists working with families and schools to assess each child's functioning level and deliver therapy in school settings.
• SKIP Clinic (Super Kids Infinite Possibilities) Outpatient and intensive therapy services for children from birth through 21 years old offering physical, occupational, and speech-language therapies with individualized sessions at the 2209 Stonehill Road clinic location.
• Inclusive Childcare & Enrichment (Crayon Kids) Licensed by the State of Missouri to serve 42 children ages 6 weeks through 6 years, providing a quality play-based educational experience with low child-instructor ratios for children with diagnosed developmental delays/disabilities alongside their typically developing siblings and peers.
• Missouri First Steps Early Intervention Missouri's Early Intervention system services for infants and toddlers birth to age 3 with delayed development or diagnosed conditions associated with developmental disabilities, providing coordinated services including therapy and High Priority Classroom delivered in the child's home or natural environment.
• Outreach & Family Support Free program for families with children diagnosed with developmental disability or delay, offering visiting programs, equipment lending, family-friendly events, resource support, and diagnosis support groups.
• Developmental Feeding Therapy Collaborative occupational and speech therapy approach addressing oral motor and feeding skills to help children with feeding difficulties develop independent feeding skills using evidence-informed whole-child techniques.
• Intensive Therapy Individualized intensive therapy sessions delivered over 5 weeks combining physical, occupational, and speech therapy using Universal Exercise Units, Functional Electrical Stimulation, Whole Body Vibration, and customized techniques for children requiring high repetition of activities.
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy Evaluation and intervention focusing on child independence in occupations including play, learning, peer interaction, and self-care skill development, covering sensory integration, fine motor, and oral motor intervention for children with developmental disabilities.
• Pediatric Physical Therapy Evidence-based pediatric physical therapy addressing strength, endurance, balance, and coordination to maximize independence with mobility, using techniques including TheraSuit, TheraTogs, Whole Body Vibration, and Serial Casting.
• Pediatric Speech Therapy Speech, language, peer relationships, and social skills therapy using evidence-based techniques for speech production, language skills, feeding, and swallowing for children with developmental disabilities.
• Nourishing Roots Nutrition Program In-house nutrition program providing meals low in preservatives and free from artificial dyes, focused on fresh natural ingredients to support cognitive development and behavior in children with developmental disabilities, with meal-planning guidance from Jo's Bakery (Sammijo Morris).

Quantifiable outcome

• Children with cerebral palsy who completed intensive therapy program can walk without assistive devices
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature11 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Jo's Bakery (Sammijo Morris)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaboration with Sammijo Morris of Jo's Bakery providing expert meal-planning guidance for the Nourishing Roots nutrition program, which focuses on providing meals low in preservatives and free from artificial dyes for children with developmental disabilities.
• Jefferson City Cosmopolitan ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 199430-year partnership with Jefferson City Cosmopolitan Club to host the Tom Henke Charity Golf Classic annually in October. Over the years, the event has raised $1.3 million for Special Learning Center and $400,000 for the Cosmopolitan Club. The event pairs teams of four golfers with celebrities including professional athletes from Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, Cardinals, and Blues.
• Jefferson BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Perfect Pairings 2026 event celebrating Special Learning Center's 40th anniversary.
• Central Missouri Area Public School DistrictscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMany area public school districts in Central Missouri contract with Special Learning Center for physical, occupational, and speech-language therapy services. Contact: Jennifer Wright at [email protected].
• Mid-Am BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPresenting sponsor for Perfect Pairings 2026 event celebrating Special Learning Center's 40th anniversary.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Easterseals: National nonprofit federation providing pediatric therapy, special education, and family support for children and adults with disabilities. Most directly comparable to SLC given its integrated therapy + education + family support model and reliance on reimbursement plus fundraising.
• United Cerebral Palsy (UCP): National nonprofit affiliate network delivering therapy, education, and residential/day services for individuals with cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities. Comparable to SLC on population served (CP, Down syndrome, ASD), therapy intensity focus, and nonprofit financing structure.
• The Arc: National nonprofit federation providing advocacy, early intervention, education, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Comparable to SLC's Outreach & Family Support and early intervention arms and similar chapter-based delivery model.
• Kennedy Krieger Institute: Baltimore-based nonprofit pediatric specialty hospital and research institute focused on developmental disabilities, autism, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Comparable to SLC on therapy modalities (OT/PT/SLP, intensive therapy) and the integrated education-plus-clinic service model, though operating at significantly larger scale.
• Children's Specialized Hospital (RWJBarnabas Health): New Jersey-based pediatric specialty hospital providing inpatient and outpatient PT/OT/speech therapy, early intervention, and developmental services. Directly comparable to the SKIP Clinic outpatient therapy line and SLC's pediatric therapy contracting model.
• The Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential: Philadelphia-based nonprofit specializing in intensive neurological rehabilitation and educational programs for children with brain injuries and developmental disabilities. Comparable to SLC's intensive therapy program (UEU, FES, high-repetition protocols) and special education orientation.
• AbilityFirst (formerly AbilityFirst/AbilityPath affiliate network): California-based nonprofit providing direct services (therapy, recreation, residential, early intervention) for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Comparable to SLC's blend of therapy, childcare, and family/community programs under a single agency.
• St. Mary's Healthcare System for Children: New York-based nonprofit pediatric specialty hospital providing therapy, education, and family support for children with complex medical and developmental needs. Comparable to SLC on the integrated therapy-plus-special-education model serving children with cerebral palsy and similar diagnoses.

Broad incumbents

• Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics): Large academic pediatric health system with a dedicated developmental and behavioral pediatrics division offering PT/OT/SLP, intensive therapy, and multidisciplinary developmental care. Comparable to SLC's therapy and special education offering but operating at much greater scale and as part of a broader pediatric portfolio.
• Shriners Children's: National nonprofit pediatric specialty hospital system providing orthopedic, spinal cord, and developmental rehabilitative care to children regardless of ability to pay. Comparable to SLC on the nonprofit pediatric therapy/intensive rehab model, though operating at much broader geographic and clinical scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/SpecialLearningCenter

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Special Learning Center - Jefferson City, Missouri