Child care center buys facility to expand services in rural Kansas community June 1, 2016

In rural McLouth, KS, Integrated Behavioral Technologies runs a state-licensed early childhood learning center for children ages 2 weeks old to 12 years old. Called Knowledge, Innovation and Development Services, or the KIDS Place, it offers before- and after-school activities and full-time summer programs for children.

Recently, the KIDS Place opened an intervention room in the facility, offering a clinic-based treatment service for children impacted by autism spectrum disorder. IBT bought the facility with a $79,800 loan from IFF, saving over $10,000 annually and gaining more financial stability.

Since 2003, IBT has provided services to children and families impacted by ASD from its other facility in rural Basehor, KS. The organization targets its services to families in geographically remote areas of Kansas, where the cost of evidence-based treatments often exceeds insurance reimbursement rates.

About 95 percent of IBT clients are considered at-risk, based on income, behavioral disorders, or other factors. With few other providers treating children with ASD offering statewide services, particularly to those in rural and underserved areas, IBT provides crucial treatment services that are both low cost and effective.