Finding the right preschool or childcare in Kansas City for your little one can feel overwhelming. With so many options to consider—location, cost, hours, curriculum, and programs offered—choosing the best fit for your family isn’t always easy. Our goal is to simplify your search with this comprehensive guide to preschools and childcare centers in the Kansas City area, helping you confidently find quality care that meets your family’s needs.
Looking for daycare in Kansas City? Be sure to check out our Guide to Finding Child Care in Kansas City for additional resources and local recommendations.
If you are a Kansas City preschool or childcare provider and would like to be included 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 11 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.
Oakhill Day School
Oakhill Day School is a non-parochial independent private school celebrating 75 years of serving students in PreToddler (18 months) – 8th grade in the Kansas City Northland. Located in the heart of Gladstone, Oakhill students discover themselves as learners in an environment where teaching and administrative staff make them feel valued and known every day. Oakhill graduates are confident leaders prepared for success in high school and beyond. Schedule a visit to our 4.947-acre campus to experience Oakhill’s unique academic programming in a warm traditional school environment. Merit scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available.
Preschool at Heritage Christian Academy
Preschool at Heritage Christian Academy is a joyful place where young children feel known, loved, and excited to learn. In a nurturing, Christ-centered environment, children discover who God is and who He created them to be while building early literacy, math, and social skills. Through hands-on learning, purposeful play, and consistent routines, children grow in confidence, independence, and kindness. We support busy families with flexible 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-day program options, convenient 8:00 a.m. drop-off, and valet-style drop-off and pick-up that make mornings and afternoons easier. With a strong focus on kindergarten readiness and a solid faith foundation, HCA Preschool partners with parents to prepare children to step into kindergarten confident, capable, and ready to thrive—academically, socially, and spiritually.
New Horizon Academy
New Horizon Academy is a family-owned childcare provider with 50 years of experience in educating young children. 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!
Wild Oak Academy
At Wild Oak Academy, we’re proud to be a locally owned and operated early learning center rooted right here in the Basehor and Shawnee communities. We’re more than a childcare center—we’re a family of educators who truly care about the children and families we serve.
Every day, our dedicated teachers pour their hearts into creating a nurturing, engaging, and exciting place for kids to learn and grow. We take the time to get to know each child and work closely with parents to shape a learning experience that fits their individual needs, personalities, and milestones.
We believe in inspiring a genuine love of learning that children will carry with them for years to come. By building strong academic and social foundations early on, we help give every child the confidence and skills they need to succeed—not just in school, but in life.
Primrose School at KU Medical Center
Primrose School at KU Medical Center is a premier early childhood education and care provider located in the heart of Kansas City, KS. Conveniently situated on the KU Medical Center campus, our school serves families of healthcare professionals, university staff, and the surrounding community with a unique blend of high‑quality education, nurturing care, and a strong partnership with families.
🧠 What Makes Us Different
Balanced Learning® Curriculum: A research‑informed approach that blends STEAM, literacy, social‑emotional learning, and character development.
Highly Qualified Teachers: Educators who bring expertise, warmth, and a commitment to individualized learning.
Safe, Modern Facility: Secure classrooms, age‑appropriate playgrounds, and a clean, well‑maintained environment designed for exploration and growth.
Healthy Menus: Nutritious meals and snacks prepared onsite to support healthy habits.
Family Partnership: Open communication, family events, and a strong sense of community that welcomes every parent as a partner in their child’s education.
Whitefield Academy
Give your children the academic foundation they need in a screen-free classroom with caring teachers who cultivate Christ-like character and inspire a lifetime love of learning! Kinder Prep and Kindergarten classes are Monday through Friday, 8am to 3pm with aftercare available. Children must be age 4 or age 5 on or before July 31 and potty trained.
Key features:
– Strong classical academic foundation in phonics, literacy, cursive, and mathematics
– Screen-free, hands-on learning through books, art, music, and movement
– Ample outdoor play with recess 2-3 times each day, regular PE, and field trips
– Loving teachers that cultivate Christ-like character with understanding and grace
From Kinder Prep – 12th grade, Whitefield Academy partners with families to develop Christ centered critical thinkers, clear communicators, and compassionate leaders in the time-tested tradition of classical Christian education. Schedule your tour today!
Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool
At Little Sunshine’s Playhouse & Preschool, we provide a safe and secure environment where your little ones can learn and grow at their own pace. Through our Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum, we provide a vibrant, dynamic, and engaging learning environment where children learn through play, exploring their interests, and developing their creativity and curiosity. Picture a place where little hands are always busy, where curious eyes are always wide open, scanning rooms filled with vibrant colors and a variety of materials to spark every imaginable kind of play. Explore Little Sunshine’s Playhouse today, where little thinkers grow big ideas.
Kansas City Metro Area Preschools
Spectrum Station
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Elementary thru fifth grade in five locations across the metro
Primrose School at KU Medical Center
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Early Preschool, Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
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.
Rolling Hills Preschool
Kids Day Out (18 months), Preschool, Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten
- KCMO
-
Spectrum Station
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Preschool, Pre-K, Elementary thru fifth grade in five locations across the metro
Primrose School at KU Medical Center
Infant (6 weeks), Toddler, Early Preschool, Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten
- Northland
-
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
-
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
-
Rolling Hills Preschool
Kids Day Out (18 months), Preschool, Pre-K and Transitional Kindergarten
[/vc_column_inner] - Lee's Summit
- Liberty
-
- Johnson County
-
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.”
