Best Pre-K Schools & Programs in Kansas City, MO
Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Junior Kindergarten
Our Junior Kindergarten program is for children not quite old enough for kindergarten or who may need additional skill development. This is the path for young 5-year-olds. We explore the structure and format of a day in kindergarten, with developmentally appropriate kindergarten curriculum. This program helps develop the critical skills your child needs for elementary school, such as: following multi-step instructions, organizing work, controlling impulses, sustaining attention, and finding multiple ways to solve problems. Note: Children must complete Pre-K prior to enrollment. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Preschool, Drop-In Care
Responds quickly
Westport Montessori is a licensed child care center offering preschool and pre-kindergarten programs located at 3930 Baltimore Ave in Old Westport in Kansas City, MO. Contact this provider to inquire...
Pre-K
Our Pre-K prep program nurtures your child’s growth through child-centered learning with a Montessori approach. We blend early academics, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving, and conflict resolution in a warm and welcoming environment. Our expert teacher guides help your child prepare for a bright future!
Primary
Our Primary program sparks curiosity and confidence through joyful, hands-on learning for preschool-aged children. With a child-centered approach, we support the development of key academic skills like math, science, reading, and writing, all while fostering social and emotional growth with a Montessori focus. Children build friendships, solve problems, and develop independence in a secure, nurturing environment.
Responds quickly
Primrose School of Liberty is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on NE 82nd Street next to Liberty Oaks Elementary School. Programs...
Pre-Kindergarten
In our Pre-Kindergarten program, your child begins to develop emergent reading, writing, science, technology, engineering and math skills within large-group, small-group and independent settings.
Preschool
Your preschooler is beginning to connect letters, sounds and numbers, expanding their world through reading and math. They’re building critical-thinking skills, early physical fitness and an understanding of nutrition. Our teachers support that learning and encourage your child to think in new and different ways.
Also offers: Preschool Pathways
Responds quickly
KidsPark State Line in Kansas City is a premier, licensed early childhood center pioneering flexible, hourly childcare. The school follows a play-based philosophy that prioritizes social...
Responds quickly
Faith-based facility providing a full array of childcare services based on the needs of parents today. Services include an engaged learning environment for Preschool ages, Infant Care services,...
Pre-K Program
Drop In Care
Parents may call, or stop by, our facility and register his/her/their child(ren) for our Drop In Care service. After Registration, the parent may contact us any day, morning, evening, night, or weekend and request a single Drop In stay or multiple Drop In Stays
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ECLC is a well-respected program dedicated to providing quality childcare, interactive learning, and memorable experiences. ECLC is located inside Second Presbyterian but is not a faith-based...
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Establishment offers faith-based care and early learning programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Program places emphasis on development of problem-solving, sensory, language, and...
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Primrose School of Ward Parkway is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on Meadow Lake Parkway near Belinder Elementary School and...
Pre-Kindergarten
In our Pre-Kindergarten program, your child begins to develop emergent reading, writing, science, technology, engineering and math skills within large-group, small-group and independent settings.
Preschool
Your preschooler is beginning to connect letters, sounds and numbers, expanding their world through reading and math. They’re building critical-thinking skills, early physical fitness and an understanding of nutrition. Our teachers support that learning and encourage your child to think in new and different ways.
Also offers: Preschool Pathways
Responds quickly
Childcare center and preschool program for infants through Pre-Kindergarten. Utilizes a play-based curriculum focused on inspiring a love of learning through a combination of early academics and...
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Speaks Spanish
Primrose School at KU Medical Center is a private preschool offering Balanced Learning® early education and child care, conveniently located on W 36 Avenue near Gordon Parks Elementary School and...
Pre-Kindergarten
In our Pre-Kindergarten program, your child begins to develop emergent reading, writing, science, technology, engineering and math skills within large-group, small-group and independent settings.
Preschool Pathways
Our Preschool Pathways program provides a “bridge” between our Early Preschool and Preschool classrooms for children whose birthdays will miss the cutoff date for kindergarten entrance.
Also offers: Preschool
Responds quickly
Center offers care and learning opportunities for children 1-5 years old. Program provides hands-on interactive educational activities that support social, intellectual, and physical development....
Speaks Spanish
Preschool program operated by the North Oak Christian Church provides a Christian environment for children to build academic, motor, and socialization skills. Daily activities explore subject areas...
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Private preschool and daycare center offering advanced academic and play-based programming. Curriculum is strongly based on phonics along with developing independence, responsibility, empathy,...
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Christian preschool offering an academic and faith-based learning curriculum. Teachers develop lessons incorporating reading readiness, writing, STEM enrichment, and skills practice toward gross motor...
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Faith-based early learning program serving preschool students. Children engage with learning through play, develop practical play relationships, problem solve, and discover through curiosity....
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Outlook Academy program offers a unique environment for nurturing, development, and growth of your loved ones. The core philosophy of our curriculum is based on the internationally renowned Norwegian...
Speaks Spanish
Faith based family school offering an academic atmosphere that focuses on infants through high school-age students. Program uses Accelerated Christian Education and Abeka curriculum to encourage...
Speaks Spanish
Union Hill Day School is a private Montessori school that provides a nurturing environment for children from six weeks through kindergarten. It supports emotional, intellectual, physical, and social...
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Tierra Encantada of Brookside provides high-quality childcare for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers and is conveniently located off Highway 71 on Gregory Road. At Tierra, we care for the whole...
Pre-K
Our pre-k program will provide your child with immersive experiences that are adapted to the developmental needs of this age group. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!
Preschool
Children start their journeys into a more structured classroom setting designed to set them up for kindergarten success. Our classrooms are filled with a variety of engaging musical experiences to support your little ones development. Take a moment to listen (and dance) to one of our playlists. Children engage with colors, textures, and a variety of materials each day, to creatively express themselves and the world they see! Our rooms are lined with shelves of toys that encourage children to investigate, discover, reason, and organize their knowledge… all while playing with friends!
Speaks Spanish
The Downtown Childhood Development Center provides early childhood education and care services in Kansas City's historic northeast neighborhood. The center operates in a renovated historic building...
Speaks Spanish
We are a warm, welcoming daycare and preschool in the Kansas City Northland, caring for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years. Open since 2001, our 16 bright classrooms support every stage of early...
Pre-K Program
Our preschool program sparks curiosity and creativity through a theme-based curriculum. Children explore reading, math, science, art, and social skills in a nurturing environment, building confidence, independence, and a love of learning each day.
Stephen's House
Serving Kansas City Northland families since 2001, our daycare & preschool cares for children 6 weeks–6 years in 16 engaging classrooms. With a theme-based curriculum, catered lunch, snacks, and only 10 closed days a year, we help every child learn, grow, and feel loved.
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MsAunie’s Daycare & MsAunie’s Daycare Two, are childcare centers dedicated to serving the needs of young children by providing a high-quality early childhood program within a safe, nurturing...
Big Kids Blvd
MsAunie:s Daycare
MsAunie's Daycare is a licensed, facility providing structured care and early education for groups of children, typically from infancy through preschool age
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Mercy Childcare Center provides care and early education for children in a faith-based environment. The center is affiliated with Mercy Hospital and serves hospital employees as well as families from...
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Establishment offering faith-based early learning programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Program enables children to enhance social-emotional skills and academics while...
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Center offers care and interactive learning programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Program focuses on providing hands-on educational activities and experiences that promote...
Speaks Spanish
Childcare program provides an intellectual learning experience for children that builds a foundation in science, math, reading, problem solving, and reasoning. Children participate in indoor and...
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Center offers Christian-focused care and early learning programs for preschool-age children. Program provides hands-on educational experiences in science, math, reading, and writing. Emphasis is...
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Center offers care and educational programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Programs provide interactive and hands-on activities that promote social, intellectual, and...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Center offers faith-based care and educational programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-age children. Programs provide hands-on learning opportunities that promote social, emotional,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Early childhood center offering education for children who are blind or have low vision alongside sighted peers in preparation for the sighted world. Early childhood program offers instruction for...
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Early childhood center offers programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that nurture exploration while supporting social-emotional, physical, and intellectual development. Play-based curriculum...
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Daycare and early learning program serving infants, toddlers, and preschool learners. Activities include age-appropriate lessons and play, outdoor exploration, playgrounds, learning centers, blocks,...
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Faith-based early learning program serving preschool children. Daily curriculum includes phonics, reading, pre-writing, early math and numbers, science, arts and creative activities, physical...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Childcare center promotes school readiness with age-appropriate educational programs for infants through pre-kindergarten children. Daily offerings including sensory experiences, activity centers, as...
Speaks Spanish
Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Preschool
For any child, preschool education is an essential step on the path to kindergarten. We want the best for your child and that’s why this program focuses on their personal development with customized curriculum and lesson plans to meet their individual developmental needs. In this classroom, children are given an increasing sense of independence, while also learning how to relate to others through large-group activities which are an essential part of the day. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Drop-In Care
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Early education and childcare center serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Play-based curriculum focuses on early academics, literacy, science, social-emotional development and creativity....
Prekindergarten Program
Final year of preschool designed to prepare children for kindergarten. Program puts a strong emphasis on literacy and language arts. Daily routine includes: reading, writing, math, science, Spanish instruction, movement, art, and music. Teachers model respect and kindness, and children learn how to resolve conflicts and build friendships. Children also learn to express themselves through writing and telling complete stories.
Preschool Program
Hands-on preschool program with a strong focus on school readiness. Children are encouraged to think independently and express their individuality. Your child’s day is filled with creating, experimenting, and imaginary play. Curriculum includes: math, science, language, and spanish. Children begin to expand social skills and build friendships.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Canterbury Academy at Briarcliff provides parents peace of mind by giving children an exceptional education every fun-filled day in a setting as nurturing as home.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-K Program is designed specifically to ensure students are ready to THRIVE in Kindergarten and beyond.
Preschool
Our specialized preschool curriculum uses rhymes, stories and hands-on activities to encourage those first steps toward building the foundational skills for reading, writing, math, and science.
Also offers: Flexible Care
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Guarderia Infantil "Alegria" is a license-exempt, faith-based and Spanish-language focused childcare center, serving Kansas City's Hispanic community. The center accepts state subsidy and provides...
Speaks Spanish
Preschool program offered at North Cross United Methodist Church aims to prepare children for kindergarten through developmentally-appropriate activities. Structured environment offers children...
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Center offering daycare, preschool, and special needs services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Project Construct curriculum is used to promote hands-on learning and school-readiness. Children...
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Center providing care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Creative Curriculum is utilized to teach art, music, reading, math and science through hands-on activities. Children paint, do yoga, play...
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Daycare center located in Grace Baptist Church provides Christian-based programs for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Children learn number and color recognition and engage in weekly Bible...
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Faith-based facility providing care and learning opportunities for young children. Operated by Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church, program offers a Christian learning environment with a play-based...
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Preschool offering play-based learning curriculum. Daily schedule includes circle time, math and literacy lessons, free play, art, and sensory play. Outdoor time is offered as weather permits.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Establishment offers Christian-based care and educational programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children. Emphasis is placed on learning through creative and interactive experiences that...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Faith-based early learning program serving preschool students. Children engage in various lessons and activities including gym play, music class, dancing, chapel time, arts and crafts, writing, in...
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The Goddard School of Liberty is a private preschool center with highly qualified teachers. Our center features a full-service kitchen with an on-site cook, an indoor gym, and outdoor classrooms and...
Pre-Kindergarten
As children prepare for Kindergarten, our Pre-K classroom offers exciting opportunities for them to develop the skills they will need while making friends and exploring the world around them. Our Pre-Kindergarten program helps your child learn more about themselves, others and the world around them. Teachers engage in play with students, helping them to develop their social skills and learn more about effective communication. Our Wonder of Learning™ curriculum emphasizes a child-led, teacher-guided approach, encouraging interactive, purposeful learning experiences that allows students to grow their math and literacy skills, preparing them for Kindergarten and beyond.
Preschool Classroom
In our Preschool classroom, children start their journeys into a cooperative learning environment where they can discover interests and learn in a more structured setting. At The Goddard School®, we recognize that classrooms are made up of many unique children and teachers work to create engaging, innovative, play-based lessons with the interests and needs of every child in mind. Through the power of asking a question, your child will learn how to seek answers and advocate for themselves in the classroom. The Wonder of Learning™ curriculum takes your child's natural curiosity and encourages them to ask even more questions because asking questions fuels learning. When children want to know something, they learn faster and learning becomes an understanding that lasts a lifetime.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Discover the joy of early learning at La Petite Academy. Whether caring for your baby, preparing your preschooler for kindergarten, or supporting your elementary student (up to age 12) in the morning...
Pre-K
Your child’s school readiness is the most important thing to us and that’s the focus of our Pre-K program. Building on Preschool learning, we focus on problem solving, responsive listening, language usage, and social skills. Our Focus on Literacy™ program features in-school and at-home activities designed to improve your child’s literacy and cognition in areas such as vocabulary development and alphabet knowledge. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Preschool
For any child, preschool education is an essential step on the path to kindergarten. We want the best for your child and that’s why this program focuses on their personal development with customized curriculum and lesson plans to meet their individual developmental needs. In this classroom, children are given an increasing sense of independence, while also learning how to relate to others through large-group activities which are an essential part of the day. We’re also here when you need us. Ask your school about flexible enrollment options to fit your family’s schedule.
Also offers: Drop-In Care
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Count on Me Academy is a licensed child care center in Kansas City's south side. The center provides care and early education programs for young children.
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Center offering care for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. World at Their Fingertips Curriculum is utilized to promote academic success and healthy development. Infants learn sign language,...
Contact this provider for pricing and availability
Guides
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The Cost of Childcare in Missouri
Curious how much daycare or preschool really costs in Missouri? We break down average childcare rates by city, age, and program type—based on real data from local providers.
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Childcare Assistance in Missouri
Explore financial assistance programs available in Missouri, including childcare subsidies, tax credits, and free preschool options for eligible families.
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What is the difference between preschool, Pre-K, and TK?
Preschool, Pre-K, and Transitional Kindergarten (TK) are all great options for children, depending on their ages and academic needs. Learn the difference.
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What is Universal Pre-K?
Universal Pre-K is a free, state-funded program for four-year-olds designed to introduce children to the pre-academic skills needed for Kindergarten.
FAQs About Kansas City Pre-K Programs
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What is Pre-K?
- Pre-K refers to the educational year before kindergarten, aimed at children around four years old. It's designed to develop key skills in areas such as communication, creativity, and early academics
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Do public schools have Pre-K?
- Yes! Some public schools do offer Pre-K. These programs can be free for families who qualify, but details—like how many hours kids attend and the age cutoff—depend on where you live. Reach out to your local district to learn more.
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At what age should I enroll my child in Pre-K?
- The age cut-off differs from state to state but most children start Pre-K at four years old. Keep in mind, you may need to apply a few months before they're eligible to attend.