Developmental Center of the Ozarks (DCO)

04/03/2026

Nishia has started a new coordinator position and has quickly made a positive impact. Since stepping into this role, she has done an excellent job organizing the office and creating a more efficient work environment.
She has excelled in learning her new duties and continues to grow in the position each day. Nishia is also kind and welcoming, greeting parents, children, and staff with a warm smile that helps create a friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Thank you Nishia!!

03/31/2026

Celebrate children and early learning this week with activities that highlight the critical role of play, creativity, and collaboration in a child’s development.

Whether building, cooking, singing, or creating, you can help children learn through fun-filled projects.

For a list of themed activities for young children, from Music Monday to Family Friday, visit WOYC Activities and Resources.

03/25/2026

SO MUCH FUN! Thanks, Mike and The Cave! We're looking forward to coming to see you at YOUR job next.

Mike The Intern did his internship with Carrie at ! He hooked up her hardworking staff with some awesome wings from Coyote's Adobe Cafe ! Thank you guys for what you do every day. Tell Mike where to go next online at 1047thecave.com

03/24/2026

Last year's TacoDeSOMO raised over $25,000! The need is great, but so is our communities power to help.
Enjoy unlimited taco samples, live music, a chihuahua fashion show, and MORE. All while supporting the qualified care, services, and therapies provided by DCO to local children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Get your tickets now and let's celebrate together! 🌮

03/19/2026

This is Mark!
Mark joined the DCO Employment Program earlier this year but was not certain in what area he would excel or what he really wanted to do.

His interests include janitorial work, laundry services, stocking, and dishwashing. He recently completed a CBA (Community Based Assessment, a.k.a. Job Tryout) in our childcare facility at DCO. Mark was responsible for cleaning windows and doors and learning more about how the DCO laundry system works. He is very enthusiastic and optimistic about this job search and will continue to try out jobs in his areas of interest, with hopes of gaining employment very soon.
GO MARK! 🎉

If you want to learn more about how you or a loved one can learn work skills and find their job with quality support and independence, reach out today.

03/18/2026

See the value in every person.
Support policies that give everyone an equitable chance.
Work together so everyone can live a full, productive life.

The need is real, but so is our community's power to help!

Did you know that March 2026 is officially Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in our great state of Missouri?

Governor Mike Kehoe recently shared an important message in his Proclamation: disability is a natural part of life and makes our world stronger.

This month, we focus on breaking down barriers and ending the practice of keeping people with disabilities separate from others.

When our communities include everyone, we all benefit from the unique talents and skills of people with disabilities.

How we can take action:
- Change how people think: Help others see the value in every person.
- Demand fair rules: Support policies that give everyone an equal chance.
- Support independence: Work together so everyone can live a full, productive life.

03/13/2026

What a great honor to be part of this tradition! Thank you ❤️

Thanksgiving in Spring! This morning, the Park Board presented a check to Developmental Center of the Ozarks (DCO) for $47,809.32, representing half of proceeds raised at the 2025 31st Annual Turkey Trot 5K Run/Walk Presented by Hall Ansley, P.C., Springfield, MO. This will help 1,200 individuals access support through DCO. An equal amount goes to the Park Board’s Youth Recreation Scholarship Fund, helping hundreds of kids to register for Park Board classes, programs and sports every year.
More good news: Ozarks Food Harvest announced Turkey Trot participants donated 6,934 pounds of food in 2025– a 51-percent increase over 2024. Over our 25 year partnership with OFH, Turkey Trot participants have donated a total of 186,027 pounds of food!
Thank you, 2025 Turkey Trotters, all 6,507 of you. This is why we trot (plus, it’s fun, it’s tradition!) See you again on Thanksgiving Day this November.

03/12/2026

REMINDER:
All DCO programs are closed tomorrow (March 13th).
See you back on Monday!

Send a message to learn more

03/12/2026

DCO was happy to visit the Missouri Capitol at Disability Rights Legislative Day just two weeks ago!

We're here. Then, Now, Always!

There was a time when many people with developmental disabilities were hidden, segregated, or excluded from community life.

History matters.

Not for nostalgia — for understanding.

03/11/2026

Celebrate Developmental Disability Awareness Month with us!

At DCO, our mission is to remove barriers so individuals of all abilities can experience lives filled with opportunity, purpose, and belonging.

During Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, we celebrate the people who remind us that inclusion strengthens our entire community.

03/07/2026

What an AMAZING day at DCO! A big THANK YOU to Forvis Mazars US for their generous $10,000 grant in support of DCO and very exciting things to come.

03/05/2026

We currently have child care openings for five year olds and six week - four month olds! 417.829.0800

Send a message to learn more