The Special Learning Center (SLC) is dedicated to providing comprehensive education and therapy services to children with developmental disabilities and delays such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and multiple rare genetic disorders. The SLC is a private, not for profit agency with a mission of helping children with disabilities reach their maximum potential.
History of the SLC
The Special Learning Center was built on the dreams and possibilities of children with special needs. In the mid-1950s, two schools were established in Jefferson City to meet the needs of children with special needs. Goshorn Handicap Center provided services to children with cerebral palsy and other physical difficulties and was named after Betty Weldon’s parents who provided a location. The Peter Pan School offered services for children with mental disabilities and was located in the basement of Dr. & Geneva Sugarbaker’s medical clinic.
In 1985, these entities merged to create the Special Learning Center and a more efficient way to serve children with special needs. Throughout the last 35 years, the Special Learning Center has grown to serve more than 700 children with special needs each year from 22 school districts and 11 counties in Central Missouri. Through a multitude of programs, the Special Learning Center has helped open doors of opportunity for thousands of children and their families.
