Oklahoma Life Skills Association: Special Kids

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Nonprofit Overview

Causes: Child Day Care, Children & Youth, Developmentally Disabled Centers, Disabilities, Education, Human Services, Special Education

Mission: Special Kids mission is to offer childcare to families who have a child with a  developmental, emotional, medical or physical challenge so that parents may work or attend school. Special Kids believes that access to safe and appropriate childcare will empower families and will create opportunities for families and children to participate fully within the community. At Special Kids we believe that children with and without special needs are better served by growing learning and playing together. The program maintains a ratio of approximately 1/3 typical to 2/3 special needs. Special Kids is the only non-profit, special needs childcare facility in Tulsa. Our waiting list averages approximately 50 children. Special Kids offers on site therapy,early learning, before & after school care, full and part time day care hours for special needs children who attend non-traditional school hours and summer enrichment. OLSA also offers evening respite, advocacy to school age children, support group meetings and referral to community resources.

Community Stories

5 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

1

mandymorse84 General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

09/18/2013

I have two children that have been attending here that both have ADHD. Since going to Special Kids, my children have improved remarkably and are becoming more self reliant and are calmer. I don't know what I would do with out Special Kids and their awesome staff.

1

grandma2 Client Served

Rating: 5

05/29/2010

My child has been going to Special Kids for several years now. The staff had been dedicated to helping him develope into a productive person. They redirect him at the time it is needed. They've helped him feel better about himself and I am truly grateful for them being there for me. There is no other place in Tulsa that will take these kids. Most of these kids are kicked out of typical child care centers because the centers don't know how to deal with the kids challanges. Special Kids is always sending staff for training in ways to cope and handle different types of special challanges so they can care for these children in a meaningful way that will not only help the child but also the parents. Special Kids are not only there for the child but also for the parents. They are family oriented. They helped me understand my childs needs when I had no clue. They helped me through some very difficult times. I am a single grandparent raising a special needs child and there is no way I could have made it this far without all their help. However they can't pay their staff what they are worth, the funding just isn't available. Staff is dedicated to this cause. They need more space and more funding in order to better serve their clientel. Check out their website to get a better idea of what they are all about, the children in the photos are the children they serve. www.specialkidscare.org

7

jaclynandstefan Client Served

Rating: 5

05/28/2010

My son attended Special Kids Daycare at a time I needed them most. It would have been impossible for me to keep my employment and my insurance without this childcare facility. They were there for me and my backbone through some very difficult times. Learning your child has special needs can be devastating. Jo and the staff made me feel more comfortable and hopeful about our future. There is no other place like this in Tulsa and it's a shame that Special Kids does not get more assistance. In order to keep a trained staff they must be able to provide classes and training, they must be able to provide a big enough building to house everyone, they need healthy food for the children, just to name a few. To me, Jo is family. I love Special Kids!

10

doloris-biddulph General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

05/27/2010

Special Kids day care is unique. The founder and those who work with her are dedicated to their mission. It is not a "job" it is a caring, giving and compassionate place to help those who are less fortunate than typical children. The staff is well trained, and probably underpaid for the caring service they provide. I have observed their one on one interaction with the children and it is very impressive. These children are well instructed, well fed, and lovingly cared for. The founder, began with almost nothing, but she perservered in her dream, her calling, and yes, a ministry to not only the children but to their families. It requires a very special person for these children and the staff at Special Kids fills that requirement. If, I had a son or daughter with special needs, that would be by far first choice. It is certainly a five star facility.

11

lionshooter Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/27/2010

I am impressed with Special Kids Day Care because of the quality of care and attention the children receive. All the children participate in organized age appropriate activities and are taught by qualified teachers. Everyone receives healthy balanced meals. The staff is dedicated, caring, and friendly. All in all, a well run facility.

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