Local Resources For Parents
With Special Needs Children

We’ve compiled a list of great organizations categorized
by location to help support our families.

Red Oaks
Coping

Support group for siblings to help deal with the diagnoses

The Beluga
Project

Inclusion activities around town for special needs children

The Center for Loss and Transition

Offering counseling, programs and workshops

Families Helping Families of Acadiana

Counseling, education and support programs

The RescYou
Group

Support for families suffering a death of a child

Early
Steps

Providing services for infants and toddlers aged birth to three years with developmental delays

Family
Road

Family services, programs and aid for parents who need a strong support system

McMains Children’s
Developmental Center

Developmental medicine and therapy options for children up to 18 years old

Emerge

Offering hope for families with children facing autism diagnosis or communication challenges

Launch

Support, education, and therapy services for children and their caregivers

Agenda for Children

Empowering children (early years to adolescence) and their families with tools to help them thrive

Autism Resource
Center (ARC)

Support for families through the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library

United
Way

Serving Lowndes and Noxubee and Columbus, MS

Essle Center for
Perceptual Development

Serving children with neurodevelopment disorders and development challenges

Helping
Hands

Assistance with food, medication, financial and other emergency relief

Early
Steps

Providing services for infants and toddlers aged birth to three years with developmental delays

Family
Road

Family services, programs and aid for parents who need a strong support system

McMains Children’s
Developmental Center

Developmental medicine and therapy options for children up to 18 years old

Emerge

Offering hope for families with children facing autism diagnosis or communication challenges

Launch

Support, education, and therapy services for children and their caregivers

Agenda for Children

Empowering children (early years to adolescence) and their families with tools to help them thrive

First
Steps

Early intervention and support for families with children under three years of age

Excel
by 5

Helpful educational programs for parents with children in their formative years – birth to age five.

USM Children’s
Center

Education and services for families with infants through pre-school

DuBard School
through USM

Serving children with severe language-speech disorders and their families

The Arc
SE Mississippi

The Arc Southeast Mississippi

Resources for families and caregivers of children and adults with special needs

Families Helping Families SWLA

Counseling, education and support programs in Southwest Louisiana

Early Steps

Providing services for infants and toddlers aged birth to three years with developmental delays

SLIC

Support and resources for those with disabilities to lead a more independent life

Catholic Charities of SWLA

Offering a variety of services for those in need

CARC

Opportunities for people with disabilities

State and National Resources
For Parents

Additional resources available for our families.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PDHC or PPEC Facility?

A Pediatric Day Health Care (PDHC in Louisiana) or Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care (PPEC in Mississippi) facility provides comprehensive nursing care and therapeutic services for medically complex children in a daycare setting.

Our medical daycare provides a structured environment where children receive necessary treatment, therapies, and educational activities during daytime hours. Each child follows a personalized Plan of Care. The Plan of care includes information that clinical staff will use to address a child’s condition, treatment plan, and goals.

NO COST for families for Medicaid-eligible children who met the eligibility requirement for services.

Children from birth to 21 years old with complex medical conditions requiring ongoing nursing care may qualify for services. Refer to our eligibility page for a detailed list of conditions that qualify or contact us.

The daycare setting offers a central location for medical care, nursing, and therapeutic services while also being a more reliable healthcare option than home care services. PDHC/PPECs offer a child the chance to experience childhood in a safe, social setting.

5 days a week up to 10 hours a day! Your child can attend as long as their medical condition warrants a need for services, up until their 21st birthday.

YES! This service is 100% covered by Medicaid and free of charge to parents.