About the Academy of Early Childhood Learning
in Columbia, MO
We are a Creative Curriculum based preschool in Columbia, MO. We care for children from 6 weeks old to Kindergarten age and offer our summer program and after school program for children aged 5 years to 12 years old. By providing a range of age-appropriate resources and activities, each student is empowered to improve and meet their developmental goals as they prepare for Kindergarten and further schooling.
Our evidence-based curriculum is rooted in research, practice, and input from many renowned early childhood professionals. Academy teachers generate each lesson using a blend of the Creative Curriculum framework as well as our own uniquely developed set of standards, and each lesson plan is designed with the help of our on-site Educational Administrator.
Our Philosophy
Founded in 1999, the Academy of Early Childhood Learning is more than a daycare! We are a locally owned preschool, dedicated to serving our community by providing high-quality education and care for each child and family who joins our family.
Our structured curriculum, passionate teachers, exceptional facilities, and eye for detail ensures each child is supported wholly throughout their educational journey. We aim to prepare your child to excel in education and their life beyond school through joy, support, and nurturing their innate love of learning.
About Our Columbia Location
When you visit us here at the Academy, you will see firsthand why we’re one of the best in Columbia. Since our start in 1999, we have dedicated ourselves to continuous improvement and progress in our teaching, care, and facilities.
With state-of-the-art facilities, a clean and calming environment, and a team of staff who go above and beyond for each student, the Academy is a place for students to nurture their innate curiosity and love of learning.
We are able to offer a wide variety of activities, included in our innovative curriculum that is adaptable to each child, giving teachers the freedom to plan their weekly lessons according to their individual goals and needs.
Programs
Outdoor Spaces: At the Academy, we have two large indoor gross motor spaces to use during inclement weather and expansive exterior gross motor spaces for mild and warm weather. We have non-toxic Jelly Bean Mulch on our playground to ensure the safety of your child.
Infant & Toddler Program
Our infant and toddler program is designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each child in our care.
Our teachers strive to meet target goals in each of our five key focus areas:
Fine motor skills
Gross motor skills
Social and emotional development
Cognitive and linguistic development
Sensory and artistic exploration
We also implement sign language in day-to-day interactions in order to foster greater communication skills and some of our favorite activities, such as:
• Painting
• Singing songs
• Reading books
• Playing puppets together
…and so much more!
Bolstered by our intentional and positive classroom environment, you will see the consideration and care we continuously take to provide a nurturing space for infants and toddlers:
🛝Dramatic play equipment
👩🏻🍳 Cooks, puppets, and games
🐢Crawling areas
🪜Padded climbers
🪞Mirrors
Preschool Program (2 - 5 years)
Our program is tailored to meet the unique developmental needs of children ages 2 to 5. Through a blend of play-based learning, hands-on activities, and a structured curriculum, we help your child build essential skills in:
Social-Emotional Development: Building confidence, empathy, and teamwork through group activities and peer interactions.
Cognitive Skills: Encouraging problem-solving, critical thinking, and early literacy and numeracy.
Physical Development: Promoting fine and gross motor skills through active play and creative movement.
Creative Expression: Fostering imagination through art, music, storytelling, and dramatic play.
Our Curriculum: Learning Through Exploration
Inspired by the latest research in early childhood education, our curriculum is designed to spark curiosity and inspire a love for learning. We focus on:
STEAM-Based Activities: Introducing science, technology, engineering, arts, and math in fun, age-appropriate ways.
Language and Literacy: Building early reading and communication skills through storytelling, phonics, and interactive lessons.
Social Skills: Teaching kindness, sharing, and cooperation to help children thrive in group settings.
After School Program
Student aged 5 years - 12 years old can attend our after school program where they will:
Receive help and support with their homework.
Engage in developing gross motor skills through activities.
Summer Program
Student aged 5 years - 12 years old are encouraged to attend our incredible STEAM-focused program where each week is uniquely themed, field trips are an adventure, activities are diverse, and fun is always around the corner!
By developing our programs with curriculum experts and childcare specialists, we’ve been able to hone in on what makes early education a success and created a learning program that allows our children to enter school seamlessly.
About Our Team
The Academy of Early Childhood Learning family includes a diverse team of passionate educators who are committed to your child’s success.
Abbie Perry
Executive Director
Emily Simms
Director
Pat Simms
Assistant Director
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Contact Us
3210 S Providence Rd, Columbia, MO 65203
HOURS OF OPERATION
6:30AM–5:45PM, M-F
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