Early learning center that provides inclusion for special needs says skyrocketing costs endanger mission

SAINT LOUIS, MO (KMOX) - A St. Louis County pre-school that caters to special needs says rising costs are making it harder to keep the doors open. "Our key expenses in the last several years have essentially tripled," says Daryl Rothman, President of Good Shepherd School for Children.

Good Shepherd School for Children sits near 270 and Olive.

It was launched 60 years by parents of children with special needs, and was one of the first inclusive early learning centers. It even includes speech suites and a therapy gym. It's open to all children, not just those with special needs, but as a small independent center, finding grants and other funding is a full-time task. "With insurance, for example, every year you have your renewals and everywhere we look there are fewer and fewer options of anyone who really wants to insure in the early childhood or the school space," explains Rothman. He says utilities have increased, as well as the cost of food. Good Shepherd provides four meals a day. And then there's the need to compensate the staff and teachers.

Board President Julie Francois' son attended Good Shepherd. He has autism and she credits his early experience with screening and supports at Good Shepherd, for his progress as a teenager today. Francois says financial resources for small, non-profits is an increasing challenge, "there's less money to go around because people have to spend it on things that they need, and so our donors, numbers are decreasing, grants that we are able to find... ...are decreasing."

At the same time, Rothman says families with infants are leaning on friends and family for childcare in this tight economy.

Like many non-profits, there's little to no budget for marketing, either, so they're hoping supporters can get the word out about their unique mission. Good Shepherd School for Children