The Early Childhood Center offers high-quality early learning opportunities for children in the year prior to entering kindergarten. Our programs are designed to support developmental growth, school readiness, and a positive first school experience in a safe and caring environment.

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Program Overview

Priority placement is given to children who have completed a screening at the Early Childhood Center and demonstrate a need for preschool prior to kindergarten entry. Enrollment is limited and based on availability.

Families must first contact the Early Childhood Center and be placed on the preschool enrollment list before completing a contract.

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Preschool Eligibility

Children may qualify for the preschool program through a developmental screening completed at the Early Childhood Center. Students who score at or below the 30th percentile in one or more of the following areas may be eligible:

• Motor skills
• Language development
• Concept development
• Social/emotional skills
• Adaptive behavior

These students are not eligible for special education services but benefit from structured early learning support.

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Tuition

Tuition is based on income eligibility:

• Free – Eligible for free lunch
• $50 per week – Eligible for reduced lunch
• $100 per week – Not eligible for free or reduced lunch

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Program Details

• Located at the Early Childhood Center
• Monday through Thursday
• Morning Session: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Afternoon Session: 12:20 PM – 3:20 PM
• Parents are responsible for transportation

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Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Children who qualify for Early Childhood Special Education have a documented delay in one or more developmental areas, including cognition, motor skills, speech/language, social/emotional development, or adaptive behavior.

Referrals may come through an initial screening or participation in Missouri First Steps. If concerns are identified, students may be referred for a formal special education evaluation to determine eligibility based on Missouri state criteria.

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Developmental Screenings

We offer monthly developmental screenings for children ages 3–5 in the following areas:

• Health
• Speech and language
• Gross and fine motor skills
• Cognitive development

If you have concerns about your child’s development or simply want to check their progress, we encourage you to schedule a screening.

📞 Call us at (816) 994-4901 to schedule an appointment.