Special services

Kara Lessman, Occupational Therapist, Laura McComb, Process Coordinator/Diagnostician, Isla Powell, Speech-Language Pathologist, Halley Sims, Speech-Language Pathologist, Samantha Kinslow, Physical Therapist

Front Row: Becky Evans, Wendy Miller, Mackenzie Funderburg Back Row: Chelsea Wells, Michelle Verbick, Jayne McFarland, Brianna Rodrick, and, Kara Lessman

Wendy Miller, Becky Evans, Mackenzie Funderburg, Michelle Verbick, Brianna Rodrick, Chelsea Wells, Kara Lessman, and Alyssa Hargrave

Early Childhood Special Education

If you live in the Maryville RII School District and think your preschool child (ages 3-5) may need Special Education Services, please call us!  We strive to provide a safe and positive learning environment that supports student achievement through a continuum of services. Our goal is to deliver high quality, individualized early learning opportunities so that all children may be successful, lifelong learners.

To qualify for the Early Childhood Special Education Program, the child must have significant development delays in one of the following areas:

  • Cognition

  • Adaptive Behavior

  • Communication

  • Physical

  • Social/Emotional/Behavioral

See glossary of terms for definitions

What services are available?

We tailor our services to meet the unique needs of our students.  We strive to help each child reach his or her developmental best by using some or all of the following services:

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Physical Therapy

  • Speech and Language Services

  • Special instruction

Who can refer a child for an evaluation?

  • Parent/Guardian

  • Maryville R2 School District Preschools

  • Missouri First Steps

How do I make a referral?

If you think a preschool age child may be showing a delay, please call of visit the Maryville Early Childhood Center and speak to Mrs. Michelle McCollum, Director. 660-562-3915

Glossary of Terms:

  • Cognition - Mental abilities/IQ, how information is learned/stored

  • Adaptive Behavior - Performance of daily activities (dressing, eating, etc.)

  • Communication - Ability to listen and speak

  • Occupational Therapy - treatment to improve fine motor skills (building, cutting, drawing) and self-help skills (dressing, feeding).

  • Physical Therapy - treatment to improve large muscle skills (running, jumping, climbing) and mobility (walking, using a wheelchair).

  • Screening - Overall testing to find out if any area of development needs further evaluation.

  • Social/Emotional/Behavioral - a person’s ability to get along with other people (family, adults, or other children) and/or behavioral problems.