Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child has special needs?

If you feel your child is lagging behind in any developmental area, you need to contact your local school district's Early Childhood office and request a Developmental Screening appointment. If the screener feels there are areas of concern after the screening, they will refer the child to the district's Early Childhood Special Education Office for further evaluation. All test results will be shared with the parents once they are complete.

What's the procedure for getting my child with special needs enrolled at United Services?

For children ages birth to age 3 who have a developmental delay or diagnosed condition, parents need to contact First Steps, an early intervention funding source through the state of Missouri. Families can contact the St. Louis Regional Center at 636-926-1200 and ask for intake. Children go through a screening process to determine if they are eligible for services. Once children are enrolled in First Steps, families may choose to receive therapy services through United Services.

For the Early Childhood Special Education program, the child would have to be diagnosed through their school district as needing special education. The IEP (Individual Education Plan) team would have to decide that the most appropriate placement was at United Services.

How do I enroll my child in other programs at United Services?

For Early Intervention Services (birth to 3 years old), please contact Suzanne Salmo at 636-926-2700.

For Rainbow Connection Preschool, parents would contact Linda Strauss at 636-926-2700.

For Child Care, parents would contact Heather Jones at 636-926-0846.

For Family Education and Training or Sibling Support or Resource Information, contact Suzanne Salmo.

What is the cost of Rainbow Connection preschool?

Rainbow Connection rates are as follows (effective Fall 2008):
2 year olds $145.00/month
3 year olds $140.00/month

Young 3 year olds $145/month
4 year olds $180.00/month
3 & 4 year olds mixed class $280.00/month
5 year olds $235.00/month

Morning and afternoon classes are offered.

Funding for special education services is provided through the Department of Mental Health, Department of Health or the local school district.

What is the cost for Child Care services?

Rates are as follows:

Infant & Toddler Room:
Full Week $225

Two's Classroom:
$4.25/hour

$1.00/day for lunch

$2.50/day for breakfast

3-5 Year Old Classroom:
$3.85/hour

$1.00/day for breakfast

$2.50/day for lunch

Families with more than one child qualify for a 10% discount on second child's fees. Discount will apply to the lower of the two billed amounts.

Are scholarships available?

Yes, application forms are available at the main office.

What are the ages of the children who attend the agency?

Children range in age from 6 weeks of age to kindergarten.

How is the agency funded?

United Services is supported through a number of sources. They include:

• United Way
• Developmental Disabilities Resource Board
• Contracts with Fort Zumwalt, St. Charles, Wentzville and Orchard Farm school districts
• Department of Health
• Department of Mental Health
• Program fees
• Fundraising/donations