Children need hope, understanding and compassion to learn and reach their full potential. St. Louis LDA helps children by giving them, their parents and their teachers the education and support necessary to achieve success – not just in the classroom, but also in life. LDA's programs include Early Childhood Outreach, School Outreach, Cognitive Educational Evaluations, One-on-One Tutoring, Study Skills Classes, Family Advocacy and Professional Development Workshops. Each year we serve thousands of children and youth ages 0-21, their families and their teachers. These children come from a broad area encompassing St. Louis City and 9 surrounding counties, with considerable diversity. In 2017, LDA donated over $295,000 worth of services through reduced rates and need-based financial aid in order to serve families and educators at little or no cost, giving children with learning challenges and disabilities across the greater St. Louis community access to quality education. In over 98% of cases we see significant changes for each child as a result of our services, not just in improved grades at school, but also in the development of independent learning skills, self-esteem, classroom participation, peer interactions and self-advocacy. For these children, success in the classroom means hope for continued success – both personally and professionally – for a lifetime.