Youth In Need Provides Vital Services for Children With Disabilities 

In 1972, the Head Start (HS) Program began reserving at least 10 percent of its enrollment opportunities for children with disabilities.  This began a trend that has grown over the years.  Currently, Youth In Need services approximately 80 special needs children.  The extraordinary person behind this very extensive and effective program is Cathy Mudd.

Cathy is the Disabilities Director for Youth In Need (YIN).  "My first experience working with children with disabilities was a teacher's aid position at a state school for the severely handicapped.  I found the job challenging and rewarding.  I then decided to pursue a Special Education teaching degree," said Mudd.  Her role is supporting staff on how to work with children who have special needs and their families.  Mudd also collaborates with other agencies like school districts, First Steps and Regional Center that provide services to special needs children and families.

YIN's Early Head Start (EHS) children may be eligible to receive First Step services that could include physical, speech and occupational therapy.  "I gain much satisfaction from observing the progress the children make while in our program."  Mudd adds, "It is also rewarding to work with staff and community agencies who are eager to cooperate in offering quality services to children and families."  Head Start children who qualify for Early Childhood Special Education Services may receive similar services from their public education provider. 

Nichole Busdieker, EHS and HS Family and Community Liaison for Disabilities, works one on one with families of children with special needs.  Busdieker assists families in accessing a wide range of services including a lending library and computer resources.  The lending library is available at the Warrenton County Socialization Center and offers books, catalogs, state and local resources, videos, magazines and lots of handouts and guides all relating to children with special needs.  Computer resources are available through laptop home visits.  These visits enable special needs families to go on-line and access hard to find resources pertaining to their particular needs.  A portable printer is also available to print this valuable information.

HS/EHS hosts a monthly support group for parents and grandparents of children with special needs.  This is a forum for parents and families to get together and exchange ideas and experiences associated with raising a child with special needs.  "These groups are very successful and educational.  It is great for families and brings us all together to discuss ideas," said Busdieker.

Family Support Group meetings cover a variety of topics pertinent to special needs families.  Dates and topics for future meetings are:

May 8- Missouri Family Trust- How trust funds can help families shelter savings
June 5- Tim Landawhar talks about his brain injury and how to cope with a disability.

All Meetings are held at the Warrenton Socialization Center at 101 N. East St. in Warrenton, Mo.  For more information, call Nichole Busdeiker at 636-456-5990.

Youth In Need, a not-for-profit agency, was founded in 1974.  It currently operates multiple services and programs at sites in four Missouri counties, including St. Louis City.  YIN serves children and youth ages birth through 21, and their families, though Head Start and Early Head Start programs, counseling, education, and community development.

For more information about Youth In Need, call (866) 690-3068 or visit YIN's web site at www.youthinneed.org.