Our Philosophy

We believe that every child is gift.  We believe that each child is unique and special and should have every opportunity to develop physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, and spiritually to his/her fullest potential.   Each child needs to feel accepted, valued, and loved in a safe, healthy, secure environment.  We also hope to support the needs of your entire family, not just the children in our care.  All children are accepted in St. John’s PDO and Preschool program regardless of color, race, national origin, religion, sex, or physical handicap.

Our History

St. John’s was first established in 1975, primarily for the children of church members.  Since then, the program has branched out to serve children and their families in the community.  We are a license-exempt center that is guided by the Missouri Department of Health and the Bureau of Child Care Sanitation.  In addition to the leadership of the Program Director, the PDO/PS Board meets at a minimum of two times a year and all church staff meet weekly.

Our Goals and Objectives

We provide play based learning that encourages your child to explore, experiment and develop a new security in a world outside of the home.  Children will use their social, emotional, cognitive, spiritual and physical skills to develop independence, become courageous, curious, self-disciplined, unique, and hungry for knowledge while at St. John’s and hopefully throughout their life. 

Our Discipline Policy

Praise, respect, and acceptance for a child's positive self-concept is our goal.  We encourage children to express their feelings, discuss differences and learn to work out problems that may occur.  We will most often use redirection to guide children and natural consequences when appropriate .  We will never use discipline or punishment that is humiliating, frightening, or physically harmful to a child.

Our Operation

We currently serve up to 49 students per day and over 70 students across the week.  We are open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.    We operate during the traditional school year (mid-August to May) and offer an optional 6 week summer camp.

Our Management System

We use a child care software management system called Kangarootime.  With this system, parents have an online account through “the cloud” that allows you to view daily reports and pictures about your child’s day, view calendars and documents, pay your tuition, and more!