Children, Kindergarten Readiness and Youth Programs
General Assistance for Children and Youth
Big Brother/Big Sister Program
They create life-changing friendships by pairing children facing adversity with professionally-screened kind, caring and fun adults. 417-889-9136
Community Health Advocates (Springfield-Greene County Health Department)
- Employment assistance
- Affordable housing
- Healthcare
- Food
- Dental Care
- Pregnancy and parenting services
- Furthering your education
- Disability services
- Childcare assistance
- Children’s services
- and services based on your personal needs
Please call at 417-874-2477 or email advocate@springfieldmo.gov
To make a referral visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CHAreferral
Foster Care Assistance/ Ambassadors for Children/Council of Churches
They provide new clothing, free tutoring, beds, self-esteem boosting activities, and more. Each of their programs is designed to meet practical needs while also instilling a sense of value and dignity. 417-708-0565
The One Stop for Early Childhood
If you are just starting a family or have children in 3rd grade or younger, Early Childhood One Stop offers ongoing support and resources to prepare children for school success through the following referrals:
- Food
- Childcare
- Medical Care
- Family Friendly Activites
Please call 417-887-3545
Great Circle for Children and Youth
- Home and Community Based Services: In home services that help meet families’ needs for support on their own turf. This program works with each family member over time to meet their individual needs and preserve family unity wherever possible.
- Intensive Therapies: Specialized outpatient care programs that address the emotional and educational needs of children.
- Parenting Support: Through resource and educational opportunities, Great Circle equips parents with the tools they needs to succeed in providing their kids with a happy, healthy childhood, setting them on the path of success.
MO Mentoring Partnership (MMP)
This program prepares youth for personal success in employment, education, healthy life styles and self-sufficiency through mentored support. MMP programs include the Young Parent Program which provides support, education, and a community mentor for youth (ages 21 & under) who are pregnant or parenting. The Worksite program provides job readiness classes, education & certification, help finding & securing employment and an on-site mentor to youth (ages 16-21 years) who are seeking employment. 417-836-3134
Pregnancy Care Center
Pregnancy Care Center serves young people with healthy pregnancy and relationship education. 417-877-0800
Salvation Army
Their Emergency Social Service Office provides the following assistance:
- Rental Assistance
- Clothing
- Diapers & Formula
- Prescription Assistance
- Transportation
Please call 417-862-5509
Temporary Assistance for Needy Children (TANF or TA)
TANF provides cash benefits to low-income families for the household’s children such as clothing, utilities and other services. 855-373-4636
MO Work Assistance Program
Springfield Job Center & Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program helps TA recipients become ready for a job, get real work experience, find employment, and keep a job. 417-887-4343
WIC
WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support, a supplemental food package, and referrals to health care providers and local agencies. 417-864-15
Help Pay for Childcare
Every Child Promise
Helps to build children’s emotional and social skills so children will do well in Kindergarten. Their program provides some assistance for preschool (ages 3 to 5) for quality child care. 417-888-2020
Family Support Division (MO Dept. of Social Services)
The Family Support Division can help with food stamps, healthcare, child care, child support and other needs. 855-373-4636
Temporary Assistance for Needy Children (TANF or TA)
TANF provides cash benefits to low-income families for the household’s children such as clothing, utilities and other services. 855-373-4636
MO Work Assistance Program
Springfield Job Center & Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program helps TA recipients become ready for a job, get real work experience, find employment, and keep a job. 417-887-4343
Childcare
The One Stop for Early Childhood
Provides assistance when looking for quality child care. 866-892-3228
Lighthouse Child and Family Development Centers/Catholic Charities of Southwest MO
Provides quality care and education to children through age 6 in a Christian environment. 417-873-3029
Head Start and Early Head Start Programs/Ozark Area Community Action Corporation/OACAC
Head Start is a federally funded early childhood education and development program that helps with healthy development for eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Services include help with nutrition, age-level traits, and mental, dental, and medical health. 417-862-4314
Community Health Advocates (Springfield-Greene County Health Department)
- Employment assistance
- Affordable housing
- Healthcare
- Food
- Dental Care
- Pregnancy and parenting services
- Furthering your education
- Disability services
- Childcare assistance
- Children’s services
- and services based on your personal needs
Please call at 417-874-2477 or email advocate@springfieldmo.gov
To make a referral visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CHAreferral
Children’s Emotional & Social Skills
Capable Kids/Community Partnership of the Ozarks
A program for children less than age 3 to with home visits to focus on child development. Families are provided books for their children, toys to aid the child’s development and the families set goals for their child’s development. 417-888-2020.
Every Child Promise/Community Partnership of the Ozarks
Helps to build children’s emotional and social skills so children will do well in Kindergarten. Their program provides some scholarships for quality child care. 417-888-2020
FLIP IT/Community Partnership of the Ozarks
A program to teach adults how to respond better to the behaviors of children ages 3 to 8. 417-888-2020
Great Circle for Children and Youth
- Home and Community Based Services: In home services that help meet families’ needs for support on their own turf. This program works with each family member over time to meet their individual needs and preserve family unity wherever possible.
- Intensive Therapies: Specialized outpatient care programs that address the emotional and educational needs of children.
- Parenting Support: Through resource and educational opportunities, Great Circle equips parents with the tools they needs to succeed in providing their kids with a happy, healthy childhood, setting them on the path of success.
Head Start and Early Head Start Programs/ Ozark Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC)
Head Start is a federally funded early childhood education and development program that helps with healthy development for eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Services include help with nutrition, age-level traits, and mental, dental, and medical health. 417-862-4314
Health, Hygiene and Hunger/Care to Learn
For many kids, hygiene needs go unmet, meals are few and clothes rarely fit. They come to school distracted by hunger, health and hygiene. A toothbrush, a coat, deodorant or breakfast can be one of the things that stand between children and belonging—basic unmet needs that cause pain and embarrassment. For more information contact the nurse at your child’s school.
Positive Parenting Partnership (Triple P)/Community Partnership of the Ozarks
Parents learn ways to work with their child’s behavior. 417-888-2020
Wonder Years & Younger Wonders/Springfield Public Schools
Wonder Years is a prekindergarten program for 4 and 5-year-old children who will attend kindergarten the following school year. Younger Wonders is the program for 3-year-olds who qualify. Both programs follow the school year calendar of Springfield Public Schools. Eligible preschool children experience learning activities to raise their readiness for Kindergarten once they reach school age. 417-523-1300
Children Reading & Literacy Programs
Great Circle for Children and Youth
- Home and Community Based Services: In home services that help meet families’ needs for support on their own turf. This program works with each family member over time to meet their individual needs and preserve family unity wherever possible.
- Intensive Therapies: Specialized outpatient care programs that address the emotional and educational needs of children.
- Parenting Support: Through resource and educational opportunities, Great Circle equips parents with the tools they needs to succeed in providing their kids with a happy, healthy childhood, setting them on the path of success.
Please call at 417-865-1646
Ozarks Literacy Council
The Ozarks Literacy Council (OLC) offers free one-on-one, tutoring for adults and school-age children. Tutoring sessions focus on the unique needs of each reader. Whether the goal is to be able to read a book to children, get to grade level in reading or improve reading skills to enter a HiSET program, OLC will help achieve your objectives. 417-616-0505
Springfield-Greene County Library District
Programs for babies, toddlers and preschoolers full of stories, songs and activities. They are not only fun for little ones, but they also give families great ideas for building early reading habits at home. 417-883-5341
Ujima Language and Literacy
Ujima is a collaborative community program that aims to enhance the language and literacy of children to prepare them for academic success. For more information, contact Ujima through Facebook.
Children & Youth with a Disability
Abilities First
First Steps Program
Early intervention teams consist of speech therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, special instructors, and service coordinators for children 3 years old and under.
Next Steps Program
Outline outcomes, action steps, timelines, and identify who is responsible, so people with developmental disabilities can reach their dreams. 417-886-0404
The ARC of the Ozarks
Recreational programs for children with developmental disabilities, residential living assistance, family advocacy, community and home support, and Rivendale: a private school existing solely to help the growth and development of children with disabilities. 417-864-7887
Burrell Children Services
Burrell offers Counseling Services, Medication Management, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Parent Management Training, Diagnostic Testing and Evaluation, Children’s Day Treatment, Healthcare Home, Child and Youth Community Support, KLASS (Kids Learning About Social Skills), Adolescent Substance Abuse, School-Based Services, Residential Services, Inpatient Services, Parent Information Resource Center, and Eating Disorder Services. 417-761-5000
Community Health Advocates (Springfield-Greene County Health Department)
- Employment assistance
- Affordable housing
- Healthcare
- Food
- Dental Care
- Pregnancy and parenting services
- Furthering your education
- Disability services
- Childcare assistance
- Children’s services
- and services based on your personal needs
Please call at 417-874-2477 or email advocate@springfieldmo.gov
To make a referral visit https://www.springfieldmo.gov/CHAreferral
The DUOLA Foundation
This organization gives new mothers the support they need to give their children a healthy, happy start in life. 417-832-9222
Developmental Center of the Ozarks
They have therapy program for children 36 months and under and early childcare and education program for children 6 weeks to 6 years of age. 417-829-0899
Great Circle for Children and Youth
- Home and Community Based Services: In home services that help meet families’ needs for support on their own turf. This program works with each family member over time to meet their individual needs and preserve family unity wherever possible.
- Intensive Therapies: Specialized outpatient care programs that address the emotional and educational needs of children.
- Parenting Support: Through resource and educational opportunities, Great Circle equips parents with the tools they needs to succeed in providing their kids with a happy, healthy childhood, setting them on the path of success.
JUDevine
Parent Training, In-Home Training, Behavior Therapy, Support Groups, Workshops, Respite Care, Staff Development Training, Social Skills Groups, Consultation, Residential Service, and Assessment for children with autism. 417-213-8018
Empower: Abilities (Formerly known as SCIL)
Empower: Abilities (formerly known as the Southwest Center for Independent Living) provides peer support, facilitation of the transition of youth into post-secondary life including employment, advocacy for educational endeavors such as implementation of IEP’s and 504 plans, driver’s education, community resource management, and social events. 417-886-1188
Springfield Regional Center
They provide help from the Family Resource and Autism Specialist (FRAS) at the regional office to help build the families capacity to provide support to their family member(s) with a developmental disability. They have different waivers including the Lopez and autism waiver that provide a large array of services. Southwest Missouri Autism Project provides skill development of individuals with ASD and provide needed training and support for families. 417-895-7400
Green Valley School (State School for Students with a Disability)
Missouri Schools for students with severe disabilities ensure students learn authentic skills in a safe environment to be productive and integrated into their home, community, leisure and work. 417-895-6848
Temporary Assistance for Needy Children (TANF or TA)
TANF provides cash benefits to low-income families for the household’s children such as clothing, utilities and other services. 855-373-4636
MO Work Assistance Program
Springfield Job Center & Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program helps TA recipients become ready for a job, get real work experience, find employment, and keep a job. 417-887-4343E
After School Programs for Elementary & Middle School Age Youth
After School Programs
Boys and Girls Club
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield provide programs that guide and direct youth from all backgrounds, particularly those from at-risk environments. Through social, physical, and educational development activities, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield teach youth the values of life, strengthen their self-esteem, and help to make them better citizens of our community. 417-862-9419
Office of Equity & Access/Springfield Public Schools
Their office provides opportunities and services to diverse groups to create better educational outcomes. Student programs include:
- African-American Male Empowerment Group
- Young Ladies of Purpose (serves middle school African-American female students)
- What’s In Your Backpack (serves male and female middle school Latino and Hispanic students)
- Ujima & Leadership Academy – Provides additional literacy and learning opportunities for K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
Contact the office for more information about community programs and scholarships. 417-523-0064
Salvation Army
Salvation Army provides after school programs for children in Kindergarten through 7th grade. They operate Monday through Friday, 2:30-7:00 p.m. Program includes after-school pickup, a nutritious evening meal, fun activities, mentoring opportunities through a partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ozarks and homework assistance.417-862-5509, ext. 113
SPARC Before & After School Programs
The program is a licensed child care program that provides a great opportunity for your child to learn and grow both before and after school through a variety of clubs, sports, enrichment activities, homework help, and mentoring. SPARC also offers clubs throughout the year to enhance learning and physical activity beyond school hours. 417-837-5737
Job Skills Development During & After High School
High School Age Programs During High School
GOCAPS (Greater Ozarks Centers for Advanced Professional Studies)
GOCAPS provides real life learning experiences that educate 11th and 12th grade students for high-skill and high-demand jobs in the following areas: Medicine and Health Care, Business and Entrepreneurship, IT and Software Solutions, Engineering/Manufacturing and Teacher Education. Students can apply at the end of their Sophomore year. Contact high school counselors for more information.
I Pour Life–Life Strengths
This organization helps students living in at-risk environments to successfully transition into adulthood. 417-581-3607
MO Mentoring Partnership (MMP)
MMP’s Worksite Program prepares youth for personal success in employment, education, healthy life styles and self-sufficiency through mentored support. The Worksite program provides job readiness classes, education & certification, help finding & securing employment and an on-site mentor to youth (ages 16-21 years) who are seeking employment. 417-836-3134
Middle College/Ozarks Technical Community College (OTC)
Students attend high school, full-time, on the OTC campus while taking college courses during the 11th and 12th grade. Eligible students explore a variety of careers and technical fields in areas like: Diesel/Automotive Technology, Early Childhood Development, Medical Services, Computer Services, Agriculture and a Health Professions Academy. 417-447-699
Office of Equity & Access/Springfield Public Schools
Their office provides opportunities and services to diverse groups to create better educational outcomes. Student programs include:
- African-American Male Empowerment Group
- Young Ladies of Purpose (serves middle school African-American female students)
- What’s In Your Backpack (serves male and female middle school Latino and Hispanic students)
- Ujima & Leadership Academy – Provides additional literacy and learning opportunities for K-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12.
Contact the office for more information about community programs and scholarships. 417-523-0064
Rare Breed Youth Services/The Kitchen, Inc.
They provide assistance to homeless, runaway and at-risk youth ages 13-24 through outreach and housing. Necessities, support services and opportunities are provided to youth to help them safely become self-sufficient while ending homelessness, sexual exploitation and abuse.
TRIO: Upward Bound
- personal/academic advising
- study skills and ACT Prep workshops
- financial aid and scholarship information and application
- visits to college campuses
- financial literacy workshops
- social and cultural events
- visits to area cultural attractions
- earning up to 12 hours of college level courses through BRIDGE and MSU Sponsored Dual Enroll Classes.
Youth Services – Work Experience Program/MO Job Center
This program is for youth who never had a employment or need to build employment history. College tuition assistance is available to those who qualify. Additional program support services related to employment and education are available if needed. 417-874-2730 (North Area) or 417-887-4343 (South Area)
After High School Programs & Programs to Finish High School
Adult High School/Goodwill Excel Center
Bridge Springfield: Brother to Brother
Community-based program to help students stay in college and graduate on time. Missouri State University, Division for Diversity and Inclusion. 417-836-3736
Change 1000 (Mo Job Center)
Change 1000 provides pre-employment training for different types of jobs. Change 1000 works with businesses to know the type of training needed that can take a career to the next level. After the two-week training period, participants are connected to the employers who designed the training for employment opportunities. MO Job Center. 417-874-2730 (North Area) or 417-887-4343 (South Area)
Edge Technology Center/Mid-Town Carnegie Library
The library has a program for participants to develop and learn basic computer skills and how to use the internet. 417-883-5341
Fast Track Program/MO Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a new financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education that helps adults obtain an industry-recognized credential in high need areas of the workforce. This program meeets industry specific needs by developing the skillset of Missouri workers. The Fast Track Program is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fees are fully covered. Awards will be for any remaining tuition and fees not covered by other state and federal aid programs.
Who Can Apply:
- Individuals 25 years or older or who have not been enrolled in school within the last two years.
- Students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree and are enrolling in part/full time school.
- Individuals who make no more than $80,000 filing jointly, or no more than $40,000 per year, any other tax status.
How to Apply:
- Find a Fast Track eligible institution and certificate/degree program
- Submit your college application
- Fill out the FAFSA Application
- Create a state Student Aid Portal
- Read and finalize the “Self-Certification” form
High School Dropout Recovery Program/Springfield Public Schools
SPS has a program to help students who were not able to complete high school or dropped out of high school to complete requirements for a diploma or GED. 417-523-0000
OTC Adult Education & Literacy
OTC’s Adult Education programs offer free instruction in math, English, reading and preparation for the High School Equivalency (HSE) Tests. Special help is available for non-readers, English as a Second Language learners or for individuals wanting to brush-up on basic skills. AEL classes are offered in Bolivar, Buffalo, Hollister, Lebanon, Marshfield, Nixa, Springfield, and Reed Spring. This service is a second chance for anyone age 17 or older and out of school. Classes are at no cost to students. 417-447-8860
TRIO: Upward Bound
- personal/academic adsvising
- study skills and ACT Prep workshops
- financial aid and scholarship information and application
- cisits to college campuses
- financial literacy workshops
- social and cultural events
- visits to area cultural attractions
- earning up to 12 hours of college level courses through BRIDGE and MSU Sponsored Dual Enroll Classes.
Develop or Increase Job Skills
MO Job Center
The Ozark Region Missouri Job Centers offer a wide range of free workshops and services to individuals looking for employment. Are you new to the workforce or re-entering the workforce? Thinking of changing careers? Have you been displaced from your job? They have convenient sites to serve your needs including Job Centers in Springfield. East Sunshine Center Phone: 417-887-4343 or North Springfield Center Phone: 417-874-2730
Change 1000 (MO Job Center)
Goal is to teach 1000 individuals the basic skills needed to get good paying jobs by building foundational skills necessary for today’s economy by creating pre-employment skills academy. Program includes identifying necessary skills development needed. Change 1000 is unique in the sense that every training session is designed by employers in the industry the participants are hoping to enter. By working directly with businesses, they are able to help provide the training that will take your career to the next level. 417-887-4343
Fast Track Program/MO Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a new financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education that helps adults obtain an industry-recognized credential in high need areas of the workforce. This program meeets industry specific needs by developing the skillset of Missouri workers. The Fast Track Program is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fees are fully covered. Awards will be for any remaining tuition and fees not covered by other state and federal aid programs.
Who Can Apply:
- Individuals 25 years or older or who have not been enrolled in school within the last two years.
- Students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree and are enrolling in part/full time school.
- Individuals who make no more than $80,000 filing jointly, or no more than $40,000 per year, any other tax status.
How to Apply:
- Find a Fast Track eligible institution and certificate/degree program
- Submit your college application
- Fill out the FAFSA Application
- Create a state Student Aid Portal
- Read and finalize the “Self-Certification” form
Missouri State University
MSU is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Their purpose is to develop fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement.417-836-5000
Ozarks Technical Community College
OTC is a community college in Springfield, Missouri. Students can earn a one-year certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or Associate of Arts degree. They also have a variety of apprenticeship programs. 417-447-7500
College (Local Options)
College of the Ozarks
A Christian liberal-arts college. 417-334-6411
Drury University
Drury is a university that honors and effectively links liberal arts and sciences to the study of professional areas. 417-873-7879
Evangel University
Evangel is a comprehensive Christian university committed to excellence in education and equipping students to become Spirit-empowered servants of God who impact the Church and society globally. 417-865-2815
Fast Track Program/MO Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
The Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant is a new financial aid program from the Missouri Department of Higher Education that helps adults obtain an industry-recognized credential in high need areas of the workforce. This program meeets industry specific needs by developing the skillset of Missouri workers. The Fast Track Program is designed to ensure, when combined with other governmental financial aid, that tuition and fees are fully covered. Awards will be for any remaining tuition and fees not covered by other state and federal aid programs.
Who Can Apply:
- Individuals 25 years or older or who have not been enrolled in school within the last two years.
- Students who have not earned a bachelor’s degree and are enrolling in part/full time school.
- Individuals who make no more than $80,000 filing jointly, or no more than $40,000 per year, any other tax status.
How to Apply:
- Find a Fast Track eligible institution and certificate/degree program
- Submit your college application
- Fill out the FAFSA Application
- Create a state Student Aid Portal
- Read and finalize the “Self-Certification” form
Ozarks Technical Community College
OTC is a community college in Springfield, Missouri. Students can earn a one-year certificate, two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or Associate of Arts degree. They also have a variety of apprenticeship programs. 417-447-7500
Missouri State University
MSU is a public, comprehensive university system with a mission in public affairs. Their purpose is to develop fully educated persons with a focus on ethical leadership, cultural competence and community engagement. 417-836-5000
Veterans
Veterans Administration
The VA provides health care benefits, compensation and pension, education and training, home loans, insurance, vocational rehabilitation and employment, and reimbursed funeral services. 417-881-4197
Ozarks Technical Community College
OTC is approved for certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance from the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. 417-447-7500
Veterans Upward Bound
OTC’s VUB is a free college-prep program designed to help refresh academic skills to successfully complete students choice of college degrees. VUB helps with:
- Tutoring services
- Career & academic counseling
- Federal student financial aid programs & ventrans’ benefits
- College entrance and financial aid applications
- Preparing for college entrance exams
Please call 417-447-7840