About Dick Howser Center

The Dick Howser Center for Childhood Services, Inc. is a non-profit agency that began in 1974 as a small parent group in Tallahassee.

Our mission is to improve the quality of life and acceptance
of children with special needs and their families.

We carry out our mission by operating childcare centers located in Leon, Gadsden, and Wakulla Counties. These centers offer a variety of services for children birth to 5 years, including childcare, early intervention, preschool, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten and Therapies. We also offer after school and summer programs.

Children who have special needs are able to receive physical, occupational, speech therapy services on site at all three centers. Our therapists are licensed pediatric specialists who not only work with children attending our centers, but also accept outpatient referrals.

The Dick Howser Center for Childhood Services, Inc provides services designed to minimize the effects of disabilities, increase independence, and promote acceptance by providing fully inclusive environments. This allows children with special needs to learn along side their typically developing peers.

We provide partnerships on behalf of individuals with disabilities that include teachers, staff, therapy professionals, Dick Howser Board of Directors, members of the community, organizations and human services agencies

Our organization is named for the late Dick Howser, former Florida State University baseball coach, New York Yankees manager and Kansas City Royals Manager. Mr. Howser generously shared with us his time, resources, giving spirit, and good name.

Board of Directors

Steve Black Chairman
Michael Donaldson Vice Chairman
Linda Bergman Secretary
Larry Wright
Justin Forehand
John Lata
Nancy Valery
Robert Parrish
Emmett Reed
Lori Salie
Jill Foster
Teresa Ramon