Finding the right fit for preschool or childcare for your little one is one of the more stressful parts of early childhood. There are so many factors – time, location, programs offered! Our hope is this guide will help you narrow down your search to find the best solution for you and your family.
Looking for daycare? Check out our Guide to Finding Child Care in Kansas City
To inquire about including your business in this guide, please email us at [email protected]
St. Paul's Episcopal Day School
Every parent wants their kid to feel safe, loved, and appreciated at school, but not all schools can meet every kid’s needs. St. Paul’s Episcopal Day School for age 2 through 8th grade is a special place to learn and grow.
What makes St. Paul’s Early Childhood so special? Here are just a few examples:
Small Class Sizes
For age 2, the class ratio is 1:6! Class size in Early Childhood never exceeds 16 as students progress through Kindergarten.
Brand-New Playgrounds
Students play on newly renovated playground spaces designed to get kids excited about the outdoors!
Themed Learning
Teachers use themes (e.g. Outer Space, Community Helpers, All about Bears, Mr. MacGregor’s Garden) to thread learning across subjects and mediums including STEAM projects, pre- reading & pre-math activities, and special music and dance classes.
Expert Teachers
Not only are the St. Paul’s Early Childhood faculty compassionate and dedicated, they are truly experts at teaching their specific grade levels. With an average of 18 years of experience across the St. Paul’s Early Childhood Center, each child is known, loved, and set up to thrive.
Stop by for an Open House or schedule a private tour to learn how we can set your little one up to succeed at school and home! Visit speds.org/admissions to learn more.
Little Sunshine Playhouse and Preschool
Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool provides parents with peace of mind and children with a safe, secure & educational environment through our unique services and proprietary, Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. Early education has a lasting impact on a child’s life and it’s our mission to use this time to ignite the love of learning and spark curiosity through play. LSP maintains a reputation of unrivaled distinction in preschool and early childhood education making us a sought after, premier private preschool program for children ages 6 weeks through Pre-kindergarten. Check out their two locations in Overland Park and Leawood or learn more at littlesunshine.com.
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy is a family-owned childcare provider with more than 100 locations in five states. Using a research-based curriculum and developmentally appropriate learning activities, New Horizon Academy’s experienced teachers prepare children for school and life. More than 9 out of 10 New Horizon Academy pre-kindergarten students demonstrate outstanding kindergarten readiness skills across all learning domains in classroom assessments. Learn more and schedule a tour at any of our Kansas City-area schools at newhorizonacademy.net!
Kansas City Metro Area Preschools
Spectrum Station
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Elementary thru fifth grade in five locations across the metro
Spectrum Station
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Elementary thru fifth grade in five locations across the metro
Sunbeams Preschool
3 – 5 year old Preschool, full day options available through Parents’ Day Out program.
Gerner Family Early Education Center
Early childhood special education, preschool and pre-k programs.
Talented Tots Learning Center
6 weeks to Pre-K, and after school care for elementary school students.
Christ Lutheran Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten for those 2-6 years of age, all-day options. Summer learning program in June, July, and August.
Open Minds
Infants (6 weeks) thru Pre-K programs. Summer Discovery Programs for elementary age.
ShiningStars
Weekly classes focusing on building confidence, boosting communication skills, and fostering creativity.
- KCMO
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Spectrum Station
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Elementary thru fifth grade in five locations across the metro
Spectrum Station
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Elementary thru fifth grade in five locations across the metro
- Northland
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Sunbeams Preschool
3 – 5 year old Preschool, full day options available through Parents’ Day Out program.
Gerner Family Early Education Center
Early childhood special education, preschool and pre-k programs.
Talented Tots Learning Center
6 weeks to Pre-K, and after school care for elementary school students.
Christ Lutheran Pre-Kindergarten
Pre-Kindergarten for those 2-6 years of age, all-day options. Summer learning program in June, July, and August.
- Olathe
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Open Minds
Infants (6 weeks) thru Pre-K programs. Summer Discovery Programs for elementary age.
ShiningStars
Weekly classes focusing on building confidence, boosting communication skills, and fostering creativity.
- Johnson County
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- Lee's Summit
- Liberty
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- Johnson County
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Picking a Preschool: Things to Consider

“In the KC area, we are fortunate to have an abundance of preschools to choose from (so many it can make your head spin!). Consider the different preschool philosophies and which one is the best fit for your child.”
Why Preschool Graduation is Worth More than a Worthless Diploma

“All of these hours spent with their school family are not just a blip on their life’s radar to be lost, ignored or forgotten.”
Tips for Picking the Right Preschool

“We all want to make sure we’re giving our children every advantage and opportunity we can. That means ensuring their education begins early—and gets off to the right start.”