Early Learning

The KCPS Early Learning System offers opportunities for students from birth to five-years-old. Early Learning includes two Montessori locations, three Head Start locations, ten Pre-Kindergarten locations, and the Parents as Teachers Program.

Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K)
The Neighborhood Pre-K program serves students ages 3-4 and promotes independent learning and exploration to provide students the tools needed to enter Kindergarten ready to learn and to help your child grow as a lifelong learner. Children who are age 3 when entering the program are classified as P3. Children who are age 4 when entering the program are classified as P4.

Educational opportunities are presented which are aligned to the Missouri Early Learning Goals. In order to ensure only high-quality educational programming is used in Pre-K classrooms, all curriculum is approved by MO DESE for use with Pre-K aged children. Our program offerings vary by school and are listed below by location.

Head Start
Head Start is one of the most successful and longest-running national school readiness programs in the United States. Using a “whole child” model, Head Start is designed to increase kindergarten readiness and socialization in children ages 3 to 5. This is accomplished through a rich preschool learning environment, combined with social-emotional wellness, health, nutrition, crisis intervention and family engagement services.

What is the curriculum used in the Head Start Programs?
Head Start uses the Project Construct Curriculum, which is based on the idea that ‘hands-on, minds-on’ learning experiences help students with core content instruction as well as learning how to work together with adults and peers. Project Construct® is an approved curriculum by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) and is aligned to the Head Start and Missouri Early Learning Goals that support kindergarten readiness. Head Start also utilizes the Project Approach, Conscious Discipline® and Trauma Smart®.

Richardson Early Learning Center
3515 Park Avenue
Kansas City, MO 64109
(816) 418-2600

Woodland Early Learning Center
711 Woodland Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64106
(816) 418-5900

Central Early Head Start
3221 Indiana Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64128
(816) 418-2000

Montessori
This program for 3- and 4-year-olds is a method of education helping young learners by developing qualities of self-worth, order, concentration, coordination and independence. Emphasizing independence, it supports children naturally eager for knowledge and capable of initiating learning in a sufficiently supportive and well-prepared learning environment. Children who are age 3 when entering the program are classified as P3. Children who are age 4 when entering the program are classified as P4. 

Border Star Montessori
6321 Wornall Road
Kansas City, Missouri 64113
Phone: 816-418-5150
P3 & P4 classes offered

Holliday Montessori
7227 Jackson Ave.
Kansas City, Missouri 64132
Phone: 816-418-1950
P3 & P4 classes offered