Building on a Legacy
Special Learning Center was built on the dreams and possibilities of children with special needs. Our story began in the mid-1950s, when two schools in Jefferson City – Goshorn Handicap Center and Peter Pan School – were established to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Goshorn Handicap Center provided services to children with cerebral palsy and other physical difficulties, while Peter Pan School, located in the basement of Dr. & Geneva Sugarbaker’s medical clinic, served children with mental disabilities.
In 1985, these two organizations merged to form Special Learning Center, initially serving just 25 children. This unification created a more efficient and comprehensive approach to supporting children with diverse developmental needs. Over the past nearly four decades, we have grown exponentially, now serving more than 900 children annually across 24 school districts and 11 counties in Central Missouri. Through our specialized education programs, inclusive childcare, pediatric therapy services, and family support initiatives, Special Learning Center has opened doors of opportunity for thousands of children and their families.
Meeting the Growing Needs of Our Community
As the need for high-quality specialized education, early intervention, and pediatric therapy continues to grow, so must we. Families across Central Missouri rely on Special Learning Center for essential services that help children reach their full potential. To continue fulfilling our mission, we must expand our capacity, enhance our facilities, and adapt to meet the evolving needs of the children and families we serve.
A New Campus for a Brighter Future
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, supporters, and community partners, the vision for Special Learning Center’s new campus is becoming a reality! Designed to expand our services, enhance our facilities, and provide specialized care, therapy, and education, the new Debbie Hamler Campus will feature two state-of-the-art buildings:
THE MIKE BERNSKOETTER EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT CENTER
This building will provide an inclusive and nurturing environment for children to learn, grow, and thrive, featuring:
Larger (plus two additional) Early Childhood Special Education Classrooms – Providing more children with individualized learning, therapy, and support.- Expanded childcare rooms – Doubling our capacity to serve children with disabilities.
- Dedicated Family Support Spaces – A new addition not available in our current facility, ensuring families have the resources and guidance they need.
- Two large adaptive playgrounds – Creating safe, inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can play, fostering social inclusion, physical development, and cognitive growth.
THE GOLDSCHMIDT PEDIATRIC THERAPY CENTER
This state-of-the-art, medically based pediatric therapy center, which will house our SKIP (Super Kids Infinite Possibilities) Clinic, will allow us to expand and enhance critical services for children in a clinical setting featuring:
Enhanced spaces for therapy procedures – Including specialized areas allowing for advanced therapeutic interventions and the ability to readily utilize specialized motion analysis tools to support mobility and rehabilitation.- Gross motor skills gymnasium – A specialized space to help children develop strength, coordination, and confidence in movement.
With room to grow, our new campus is designed to meet the evolving needs of our community, ensuring that every child who comes through our doors has access to the best possible resources, care, and opportunities—not just for today, but for generations to come.
Check out our construction update videos on our YouTube channel!
Be a Part of This Exciting Journey!
- Support Our Growth – Help us equip our classrooms, therapy spaces, and adaptive playgrounds. Donate here.
- Honor a Legacy – Special recognition opportunities are available for donors who want to leave a lasting impact. Call us at (573) 634-3070 to learn more.
- Stay Connected – Follow us on our Facebook Page and check back here for the latest updates.
- Celebrate with Us – Stay tuned for details on our grand opening event.
We couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you for helping us build a brighter future for the children we serve!
