Frequently Asked Questions

The Arc Caddo-Bossier is a private, non-profit agency that provides an array of services and supportive programs for infants, children, and adults with developmental disabilities.

Explore the different tabs in the “GIVING” section of the website to find ways to help The Arc Caddo-Bossier.”

Click here to visit the Foundation Center for our 990 Tax form.

Apply in person at 351 Jordan Street, Shreveport, LA 71101, unless otherwise stated on the job posting. For a list of positions currently open, click here.

For a list of the services offered by The Arc Caddo-Bossier, click here.

You can go to our national organization's website (www.thearc.org) for a quick link to lawmakers. 

You may call us for information (318-221-8392) or call personnel at DHH Northwest Louisiana Human Services District (NLHSD), at 318 741-7455 or 800 862-1409.

Parents need to be aware of their rights when it comes to their child's IEP. The school system will give you a pamphlet explaining you rights. We refer parents to Families Helping Families (FHF), an information and resource center whose employees are all parents of a child with disabilities.

Parents can take whomever they want to the IEP meeting. We recommend family members who really know the child, professionals who have worked with or still work with the child. Staff from Families Helping Families (FHF) will also attend the IEP meeting and, upon request, a family advocate from The Arc Caddo-Bossier can attend as well.

Parents can and should get involved in advocating for the rights and needs for their children. The Arc Caddo-Bossier recruits parents and self-advocates for Partners in Policymaking, a national advocacy organization. We encourage parents to become members of Louisiana Citizens for Action Now (LaCANN), a statewide, grassroots advocacy organization. Also, The Arc Caddo-Bossier provides advocacy training for parents in a program called "How to Advocate for Your Child."

Contact the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities (OCDD). The OCDD office will provide you with options. They may refer you to The Arc Caddo-Bossier's adult job opportunities at Frost Industries.

Students must be at least 18 months old (Children with Down Syndrome must be at least 3 years old.). Additional requirements: an individual must be able to sit on their own or have had an evaluation at GREAT, and an individual cannot weigh more than 200 pounds.

We seldom offer scholarships due to lack of funds. We would like to be able to offer scholarships to families in need of assistance in the future.

GREAT has a variety of riding programs. The cost for a twelve week session is $360.

We are licensed to serve children from 8 weeks through 5 years.

Yes. We have a family room available for privacy.

Yes. We serve children with special needs and children who are typically developing.

Yes. We welcome the therapists who serve your child.

You can call the center at 318 221-8392 ext. 245 to inquire if we have a spot available for the age of your child. We often have a waiting list. You can put your child's name on the waiting list. We invite interested parents to tour our center.

Yes.

Six weeks to one year - 1:3
One to three years - 1:4
Preschoolers - 1:7

The teachers educational levels range from bachelors degree to Child Development Associate (CDA) level certification.

Infants and toddlers follow the "Comprehensive Curriculum" and the three and four year olds use the "Creative Curriculum."

The James Conly Center is located at 5320 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, LA 71109. There is a special city bus route that can take clients to the James Conly Center. For bus route information, contact Missy Tuminello at  318.631.9501 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The James Conly Center's hours are 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

You may apply for Medicaid through The Arc Caddo-Bossier. You may also apply through the Medicaid office. More information about Medicaid is available at www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp.

The Medicaid office will mail you a letter in 7-10 business days notifying you that they have received your application, and are in the process of determining your eligibility.

Medicaid makes their determination within 45 days. 

Yes, you can. 

Anyone can apply. Determinations are based on income and how many people live in the household.

Medicaid will automatically stop at the child's first birthday. You will not receive notification from Medicaid, and you need to reapply.

No, these are two different programs. More information about Medicaid and Medicare is available at www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicaid.asp and www.cms.hhs.gov/home/medicare.asp.

The Arc Caddo-Bossier will help families apply for Medicaid services. Once families have applied for Medicaid, The Arc Caddo-Bossier refers families to the Office for Citizens with Disabilities (OCDD), a state agency that oversees the state and federal programs for people with developmental disabilities. 

LaTAN assists individuals with disabilities to achieve a higher quality of life and greater independence through increased access to assistive technology as part of their daily lives. To learn more click here.