Kirksville, MO

The A.T. Still University Child Care Center is a highly-regarded facility serving both university affiliates and community families. Operating as a developmental learning center, it emphasizes play-based learning and follows Missouri's Early Learning Standards. The center features low teacher-to-child ratios, with staff holding degrees in early childhood education or related fields. Their curriculum focuses on social-emotional development, cognitive skills, and physical growth through structured activities and free play. The facility includes secure indoor learning environments and age-appropriate outdoor play areas. What sets this center apart is its integration with the university's health sciences programs, providing additional resources and expertise in child development.

The Kirksville Early Childhood Center is a public school district-operated program providing high-quality early education services. The center employs certified early childhood educators and follows a research-based curriculum aligned with Missouri's Early Learning Standards. Their program emphasizes literacy development, social skills, and kindergarten readiness through structured learning centers and hands-on activities. The facility includes specialized classrooms, a gymnasium, and secure playgrounds designed for young children. The center stands out for its comprehensive developmental screening services and inclusive classrooms that serve both typically developing children and those with special needs, creating a diverse learning environment.

While located in Quincy, Illinois (approximately 45 minutes from Kirksville), Kiddie Academy serves families throughout the region with its nationally recognized educational child care program. The center implements the Life Essentials® curriculum, which focuses on character development, literacy, STEM activities, and physical fitness. Their dedicated teachers hold early childhood credentials and receive ongoing professional development. The facility features secure access systems, age-appropriate learning environments, and outdoor play spaces. What makes this center exceptional is its comprehensive approach that balances academic preparation with social-emotional learning, plus flexible scheduling options that accommodate working families. Many Kirksville families choose this center for its structured educational programming and proven track record of kindergarten readiness.