What makes DEC such a special place in Joplin Schools?

DEC is home to the Beacon Behavior Center (BBC) and the Communication Behavior and Social Skills programs (CBSS).

• BBC is part of Beacon Autism Center, which is overseen by a cooperative of 14 area school districts.
• CBSS is a Joplin Schools program specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of students with Autism.

These programs currently utilize a partnership with the Crowder College Behavior Support Center at Maddox Hill for the implementation of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and ABA Therapy.

Staff at DEC are all united in our mission to make positive changes in the lives of our students, with a focus on preparing our students for their eventual return to their home schools. We believe in equipping them with the necessary skills and confidence to be active participants in their own education. By emphasizing both academic and personal growth, we empower our students to succeed beyond the classroom.