Early Childhood Program

The Early Childhood Education Program (ECE) offers the weekly options shown below. All of our classrooms include two early childhood educators. In many of our classrooms, an early childhood special education educator is part of the teaching team. Class size increases with each age group.

We strive to meet the needs of our community. Please note that classes may be reorganized around enrollment preferences of families. We welcome your comments and ideas for classes that meet your needs. Please share comments on the back of the enrollment form or in the email with your application attached.

15 – 35 Month Old Classes

• Two-morning class: Children must be 15 months and not yet 28 months by July 31, 2026.  Tuesday/Thursday, 9–11:30 a.m.
• Three-morning class: Children must be at least 24 months and not yet 36 months by July 31, 2026. Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9–11:45 a.m.
• Five-morning class: Children must be at least 24 months and not yet 36 months by July 31, 2026. Monday–Friday, 9–11:45 a.m.

3 – 5 Year Old Classes

• Four-morning class: Children must be 36 months by July 31, 2026. Monday–Thursday, 9a.m.–12 p.m.
• Three full school day class: Children must be 36 months by July 31, 2026. Tuesday–Thursday, 8:45 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
• Four full school day class: Children must be 36 months by July 31, 2026. Monday–Thursday, 8:45 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
• Five full school day class: Children must be 36 months by July 31, 2026. Monday–Friday, 8:45 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

Kid Zone – Before and after school program

Separate registration is required (forms available online in the spring).
Morning: 7:30–8:45/9 a.m. for all classes
Afternoon: 3:15–5:30 p.m. for full day classes 

Our play-based and integrated curriculum is influenced by Missouri Early Learning Standards, the National Association for the Education of Young Children and current child development theory. The Early Childhood Education curriculum framework includes five strands/units of study: Social-Emotional Development and Approaches to Learning; Science and Nature Education; Language and Literacy; Mathematics; and Music, Movement, and Dramatic Play.

We are inspired by the innovative public preschool system of Reggio Emilia, Italy, that emphasizes respect for each child and the child’s ability to influence his or her own learning. Children’s prior experiences, backgrounds and early theories are starting points for this inquiry-based education.

We believe young children learn to make sense of their world through play, exploration, inquiry, collaboration and interaction with others including peers, teachers, families and their environment. When given the time and space for play, children practice regulating their emotions and further develop their social and cognitive skills while gaining self-confidence to engage in new experiences. We invite children to explore and solve problems independently or in small groups where cooperation, collaboration and disagreements intermix through an environment that is rich in possibilities and provocations.

We believe in reciprocal learning relationships among children, teachers and families. We value all children’s capabilities and intelligence, teachers as researchers and families as their child’s first teachers. We are a community of learners. Children, teachers and families work together to create trust and connections with others and the environment that surrounds them.

Through daily play, children learn and practice the social-emotional and problem-solving skills they will use throughout their lives. Children have snack together, make plans for the day during their morning meeting, listen to stories, play in the classroom and explore outdoor spaces, including our playgrounds and nature areas. We offer opportunities to explore block construction, dramatic play, drawing and writing, music and movement, and science and nature exploration. Children take responsibility for caring for their classroom and their friends.

Teachers carefully listen to and observe children. Children’s current understandings and ideas are shared with families through a classroom blog. This process supports children as they revisit and reflect on their experiences. It also makes the children’s learning visible to families. Children in the full school day classes have additional time in the afternoon to explore, play and eat lunch. Afternoon rest is also part of the daily routine in full day classes.

Parents As Teachers (PAT)

Through personal visits, developmental information and activities, annual screenings, family events, and connections to community resources, PAT educators provide individualized support until your youngest child enters kindergarten. PAT is offered free of charge to resident families and all families enrolled in an early childhood program at the Family Center (prenatal to kindergarten entry).

We know children thrive when home and school work together—and that partnership begins with PAT. Our parent educators are dual-certified in birth-three and three-five child development. They take time to build a relationship with your family and support the goals you have for your child. If your child attends the Family Center, PAT educators and classroom teachers work closely together to support your child both at home and at school. For more information or to enroll, please visit the PAT section on the Family Center website.

Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)

Involvement by family members is a vital component of our program. Parents and guardians are encouraged to lead and serve on PTO committees, organize events, collect materials or undertake other responsibilities of their choice. Whatever form it takes, parents and guardians are encouraged to share their many talents, as family involvement benefits everyone. It familiarizes parents and guardians with the Family Center; it increases resources available to children; and it demonstrates to children that their families value their education. For more information, please visit the PTO section on the Family Center website.

Separate registration and fees required for Kid Zone.