Developmental Center of the Ozarks (DCO)

12/02/2025

Potential doesn't have an expiration date.

From the newborn receiving in-home therapy to the adult mastering a new skill in our multiple programs, we see the same spark. We are in the business of human dignity.

Today is not just a day to donate; it is an opportunity to invest in a model of care that spans a lifetime. Your contribution ensures that whether a client is learning to walk or learning to work, they have the expert support they deserve.

We are so thankful for our community partners who help support us as a local non-profit! Community Foundation of the Ozarks United Way Ozarks Region

12/01/2025

A friendly reminder to plan ahead for winter weather.

12/01/2025

It's that time year to share all the many things we are grateful for and DCO is certainly GRATEFUL for the Generosity of the O’Reilly Charity Golf Classic

We are thrilled to share that DCO has received a $10,000 grant from the O’Reilly Golf Classic this year!

This incredible gift will directly support our programs and the individuals and families who rely on DCO every day. We are deeply grateful not only for this generous grant, but for the long-standing partnership we’ve had with the O’Reilly family. Their continued belief in our mission strengthens our work and allows us to expand opportunities for the children and adults we serve.

THANK YOU! for standing with us, investing in our community, and helping DCO build brighter futures. Your commitment makes a lasting difference.

Now let's get out there and share some gratitude!!

11/27/2025

What are you thankful for?
This Thanksgiving, we are especially thankful for the warmth of community, the power of connection, and the love of those who care for us. However you define your family, we celebrate the spaces where everyone is welcome, seen, and valued. We are so grateful for all the families, caregivers, volunteers, and supporters who make our work possible. Thank you for helping us create a truly inclusive world worthy of thanks.


As a reminder: DCO will be closed tomorrow, Nov. 28th.

11/26/2025

COME SEE ME! It’s not too late to register for the Turkey Trot. We will be here until 5:30pm today and back at 6 AM. It’s going to be a gorgeous Thanksgiving day and it’s an amazing family tradition!!

11/20/2025

We proudly honor Susan as she begins her well-earned retirement after 20 years of dedicated service to children and families in our community. 🎉

For two decades, Susan has been a source of encouragement, expertise, and compassion for the families she supported through Missouri First Steps. She helped children reach milestones, discover new abilities, and build confidence that will benefit them in their continued development.

She has been a trusted partner to parents and her presence has strengthened our programs, enriched our mission, and touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to work with her.

Please join us in thanking Susan for her 20 extraordinary years of service and in wishing her a retirement filled with rest, fulfillment, and all the happiness she deserves.

11/17/2025

🔷 Are you or someone you know a Walmart Associate? 🔷

During November, Walmart will match associate donations 1:1 made through the Spark Good Associate Giving platform! So, if a Walmart associate donates $50 to DCO, Walmart will give another $50, doubling the impact.

A great way to make your time during the season of giving extra powerful!

11/13/2025

We have childcare openings for families of INFANT - 2 YEAR OLDS!

Give us a call to learn more.

11/11/2025

We celebrate Veterans Day every year, but how many of us actually know where the holiday came from?

On June 28, 1919, WWI had officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles. However, the fighting continued for an additional seven months and finally ended with an armistice between the Allied Nations and Germany on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The day was commemorated the following year on November 11, as Armistice Day, and was intended to dedicate a day to remind nations to seek peaceful relationships between one another.

President Gerald R. Ford recognized that the significance of the actual date of Veterans Day carried historical and patriotic value to Americans and veterans who deserved to be recognized.

Today we honor and celebrate veterans for their patriotism, passion for our country, and selflessness in serving for the common good.

11/10/2025

If you are looking for support services for yourself or loved one who has a developmental disability - Missouri has created a "map" to help explain the process (the link below).

Not sure of the qualifications?

A developmental disability is:

* A disability which is attributable to an intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, head injury, autism, or a learning disability related to brain dysfunction, or any other mental or physical impairment;
* Occurs prior to the age of 22;
* The disabling condition is likely to continue indefinitely;
* Results in Substantial Functional Limitations in 2 of the six areas listed below:
** Self-Care
** Receptive/ Expressive Language
** Learning
** Mobility
** Self-Direction
** Capacity for Independent Living/ Economic Self-Sufficiency;
** Requires some level of habilitative training. Habilitative means skill development that assists the individual learning to become more independent.

We encourage you to make the call to your Regional Office as your first step today, as the process is not immediate and coordinating services can take some time (learning about your options and availability, etc.). DCO will be here when you're ready to start learning about the services that might be the best fit for your needs and goals.

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