The Discovery Center has a long-term relationship with TARC Children’s Services Program as part of our work to ensure access to every child and serve as a community anchor for families. TARC helps families with a child who has a developmental disability or delay. The Discovery Center, as a community-based setting, is the perfect environment for children to safely practice new skills.

During a museum visit, TARC workers might describe what muscles are being used by a baby pulling up on the wall in the infant sensory garden, how a child holding a paintbrush is learning the motor control later used for writing, or how a child serving a pretend meal is learning about their home. Because the Discovery Center is designed from the ground up for child-led play experiences, TARC staff can tap into a child’s natural interests to support their development.

This year, Capitol Federal® has generously provided a $10,000 donation, through the Capitol Federal Foundation®, to help support these visits in response to growing need. In the past six years, TARC organizational visits have grown steadily and the program is projected to generate nearly 1,500 visits, worth more than $13,000 in 2023, more than double what it was when the partnership began in 2017.

“Research tells us that safe and engaging communities positively impact the development of young children,” said Kelly Frantz-Langford of TARC, “Our partnership with the Discovery Center allows families and children of all abilities the opportunity to explore and play which is necessary for learning. We value this partnership as a critical piece of early educational opportunities in Topeka. We are grateful for the support to continue this incredible work!”

“Through the Foundation, Capitol Federal is proud to support the work TARC and the Discovery Center puts in for all children, especially those with developmental disabilities,” said Capitol Federal Foundation President Tammy Dishman. “All kids deserve to be active, social, and most importantly belong, and this grant helps accomplish that goal.”

This program is one part of the museum's work to ensure access to all children. More than one in three Discovery Center admissions are free or discounted, including more than 1,000 annual Museums for All admissions for families receiving TANF or WIC, and over 5,000 field trip visitors from schools with a high percentage of children receiving free or reduced cost lunches. Special programs serve children with incarcerated mothers, medically fragile children, children with autism and children in foster care.

Capitol Federal has a long history of generous support for these programs at the Discovery Center. Capitol Federal has also supported exhibit development that has completely transformed the outdoor patio into a family gathering space and realistic digging experience for future paleontologists. Support from donors and supporters make opportunities like this possible for children.