Care.com logo
Log inJoin now

​

Filters

Distance

Child's date of birth

Find Trusted Preschools Near Me in Columbia, MO

We have 71 preschools in Columbia, MO! Compare and find the best preschool to fit your needs.

Showing results for daycares within of for 0 children

5% off Premium Discount

Save now

License verified

COLUMBIA'S FINEST CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

3900 WHITE TIGER LN COLUMBIA, MO

5.0(1)

8 mi

Academic
Cooperative
Developmental (play-based)
International
Outdoor/nature
+2 more

Bonnie B. says "They are absolutely amazing! My grandkids have been a part of this center for 4 yrs. A few of my grandkids have special needs and the owner and each of...

View profile

$10 off Premium Discount

Save now
Tiger Tots Preschools - West Location's Photo

License verified

Tiger Tots Preschools - West Location

606 CLAUDELL LN COLUMBIA, MO

8 mi

Academic
Developmental (play-based)
Waldorf
Preschool
Day Care
Child care
Tiger Tots Preschools offer customized preschool curriculum based on the Missouri Early Learning Standards. Nationally accredited by Cognia, Tiger Tots utilizes five core values: Love, Structure, Knowledge, Involvement and Fun to create a positive learning environment for your child. Interactive curriculum, healthy meals/snacks and positive behavior support makes Tiger Tots a great place for your child to learn and grow!
View profile

$5 off Premium Discount

Save now
Tiger Tots Preschools - Central Location's Photo

License verified

Tiger Tots Preschools - Central Location

1609 PARIS RD COLUMBIA, MO

6 mi

Academic
Developmental (play-based)
Waldorf
Preschool
Kindergarten
+2 more
Tiger Tots Preschools offer customized preschool curriculum based on the Missouri Early Learning Standards. Nationally accredited by Cognia, Tiger Tots utilizes five core values: Love, Structure, Knowledge, Involvement and Fun to create a positive learning environment for your child. Interactive curriculum, healthy meals/snacks and positive behavior support makes Tiger Tots a great place for your child to learn and grow!
View profile

5% off Premium Discount

Save now
ESCUELITA ALEGRIA's Photo

License verified

ESCUELITA ALEGRIA

16 HITT ST COLUMBIA, MO

5.0(4)

6 mi

Developmental (play-based)
International
Preschool
Escuelita Alegría is a 501(c)(3) non-profit Spanish immersion preschool. We offer a nurturing, safe, and intellectually stimulating environment where children aged 2-6 can have fun learning Spanish, exploring diverse Spanish-speaking cultures, mastering essential pre-kindergarten skills, and cultivating a lifelong passion for learning. Our holistic approach focuses on fostering each child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development. At Escuelita Alegría, children spend the entire school day in a Spanish immersion classroom with dedicated and loving teachers who guide them through their developmental journey. No previous Spanish experience necessary!

Care Member says "I have one daughter enrolled full-time and another on public school holidays. I know they are loved and cared for on good days and bad days. My youngest...

View profile
Sarah's Home Day Care's Photo

Sarah's Home Day Care

3305 Greenridge Road Columbia, MO

5.0(5)

9 mi

I have been running a daycare for about 18 years. I have a loving, caring and structured environment. I teach Preschool curriculum such as letter recognition, cutting practice, reading readiness and simple math. I am looking for 1 addition to my daycare. I have references from families that have been with me for more than 10 years and multiple kids. I am also registered with Child Care Aware and I and my family have undergone background checks with the family care safety registry.

Brittany says "Sarah is a wonderful care taker . She watched over both my babies like they were her own. I was scared to death when I had my first. She helped me with so...

View profile
Jades Preschool and Daycare's Photo

Jades Preschool and Daycare

6405 West Highway 40 Columbia, MO

5.0(5)

9 mi

Outdoor/nature
Developmental (play-based)
Preschool
Kindergarten
Child care
In-Home daycare
A nurturing, caring, safe environment for all children to learn and play. Developmentally appropriate activities and academic lessons. A secure, loving atmosphere in which children gain self-confidence and independence. Hours are currently 6:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday. With extended hours coming soon. Contact us today to set up a tour.

Whitney S. says "Love, Love ,Love!!!! This childcare facility is nothing short of amazing. I take both of my girls here and they treat them like family. The owner , her...

View profile
Primrose Early Learning Center's Photo

License verified

Primrose Early Learning Center

301 W Broadway Columbia, MO

8 mi

Academic
Preschool
Child care
Primrose uses a total child approach in preparing children for formal education. We teach exceptional academics along with life skills and creative play.
View profile
Learning Star Preschool's Photo

License verified

Learning Star Preschool

4006 W. Broadway Columbia, MO

5.0(2)

8 mi

Academic
Developmental (play-based)
Preschool
Child care
We offer an educational child care setting for children ages 2-6 years. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving environment for children to learn through being curious and exploring. We focus on social-emotional skill building with Conscious Discipline as well as school readiness skills so our students are ready for Kindergarten.

Jordan G says "My 3 year old has attended Learning Star since he turned 2. The teachers and staff are attentive, empathetic, and professional. I cannot recommend...

View profile
A Good Start Preschool and Learning Center's Photo

License verified

A Good Start Preschool and Learning Center

101 N. Grace Columbia, MO

3.0(6)

< 1 mi

Preschool
Kindergarten
Child care
A Good Start Inc in Columbia, MO develops the whole child through creative play, social skills enhancement, daily Christian devotions, and academic learning. They teach phonics while preparing the children develop into confident individuals. This child care organization offers an environment of learning, love, and laughter that provides room for growth and respect.

J. B says "My 2 children attended this preschool and now my 3 grandchildren. The woman that runs thus preschool is terrific."

View profile
Tree Top Child Care's Photo

Tree Top Child Care

4470 N. Highway 763 Rangeline Columbia, MO

5.0(1)

9 mi

Academic
Outdoor/nature
Special needs
Developmental (play-based)
Preschool
Child care
We strive to educate children in a fun, diverse, safe and caring environment; our children will not only be kindergarten ready but College Bound. Our goal is to develop lifelong learners and leaders while building relationships between the children, their families, the staff and the community we serve.
View profile
The Language Tree's Photo

License verified

The Language Tree

2311 E. Walnut Street Columbia, MO

5.0(2)

< 1 mi

Academic
International
Preschool
Child care
The Language Tree provides immersion education for students ages 2 and up. Through our language immersion methods students become functionally proficient in a second language, master the subject content taught (i.e. math, writing, art) and gain an appreciation for other cultures.

Stéphanie says "We love The Language Tree. My daughter went there and it was amazing how quick she started to speak French. We only have great things to say about TLT."

View profile
A World Of Discoveries Daycare's Photo

License verified

A World Of Discoveries Daycare

701 WASHINGTON AVE COLUMBIA, MO

3.0(1)

6 mi

Preschool
Day Care
Child care
At A World of Discoveries Daycare, we offer the comfort and home-like atmosphere that you would find at an in-home daycare, along with the child care services, amenities and affordability that you find with bigger daycare centers.

Brandon R. says "It's a convenience thing. Random closings causing my wife and I to miss work. The owner is really great and makes certain accommodations when they can....

View profile

Walnut Street Day School Inc

2505 E Walnut St Columbia, MO

3.0(2)

< 1 mi

Preschool
Kindergarten
Child care
Walnut Street Day School Inc is an early childhood education provider that offers child care learning programs for preschool children. The company is based in Columbia, Missouri and is licensed to admit sixty kids between the ages of two to six years old. Walnut Street Day School operates during weekdays from Mondays through Fridays.

Dawn says "Excellent Care for our children. Excellent Staff truly cares about your children. Lots of yard to play."

View profile

Little Miracles Preschool

2337 S El Centro Ct Columbia, MO

5.0(1)

< 1 mi

Child care
Little Miracles Preschool provides quality care and early education for children up to kindergarten age. The school offers an environment that is safe, friendly and nurturing, tailor-fit for children's growth and developmental needs. Little Miracles Preschool provides activities that aim to develop confidence, love for self and others, and positive attitude towards school.

Melissa says "Our son is currently in the preschool class at Little Miracles and we couldn't be happier with the progress he has made. He surprises us daily with things...

View profile

Garden Gate School

107 Park Hill Ave. Columbia, MO

5.0(3)

8 mi

Cooperative
Outdoor/nature
International
Developmental (play-based)
Preschool
Kindergarten
Our early childhood programs offer three through six year olds the security of rhythmic activities attuned to nature; songs, stories and circle time that speak to their imaginations, plenty of time outside playing, building with what nature provides and taking care of the garden. Young children imitate the world around them and we seek to provide a beautiful environment and a variety of purposeful activities that enrich our children's hearts, bodies, and minds. We eat multi-course meals with locally-sourced, organic foods that we prepare ourselves. And we engage in complex story-telling and dramatic play that are the foundations of literacy. Our mixed-aged groups allow older children to nurture the younger and younger to learn from the older. These &quot;self-generating&quot; games are fuel for imagination long into each child's future. Teachers pay close attention to every child and maintain open conversations with parents every day. Families are supported in their endeavors to simplify their lives. And, we offer enriching activities for families to meet one another over the course of each year, particularly with the use of our outdoor bread/pizza wood-burning oven - a wonderful way for families to find one another! We are always available to give tours and show you who we are.

Betsy says "We are starting our 4th year at Garden Gate (we have one alumni and two current students). We have been so happy with the wonderful care our kids have...

View profile
SUNSHINE EARLY CARE & EDUCATION CENTER's Photo

License verified

SUNSHINE EARLY CARE & EDUCATION CENTER

2207 HOLLY AVE COLUMBIA, MO

6 mi

Academic
Reggio emilia
Waldorf
Outdoor/nature
International
+5 more
Our Philosophy We believe that children need a reliable and good quality child care in order to thrive and grow. This is important in the early stages of a child’s life. This time is when children grow and develop at fast rates. Children require consistency of care and nurturing in order to feel secure. It is very important that your child interacts with the same caregiver all day and every day. Even though, parents are the most significant adult in a child’s life, consistency in caregiving is essential to a trusting relationship. Therefore, we are here to provide a warm and loving environment where children can explore, discover and create. Children learn best in an environment that promotes learning. That is exactly what we provide; a positive comfortable, safe, nurturing, fun, and educational environment. Developmentally appropriate activities will be included and they are: free play (aka Work time), structured play (Large and Small Group Time), large/small muscle motor, story time, art and crafts, music, dance, nature, ecology awareness, nutrition, culture and language exposure, and so much more. They will be introduced to color, texture, shapes, numbers, letters, animals, feelings, senses, weather, seasons, nutrition and good manners. We are sensitive to a child’s social, emotional intellectual and physical needs. We are dedicated to working with parents; therefore, communication is the most important for our relationship and the success for your child.
View profile
Bright Start Academy's Photo

Bright Start Academy

3250 S. Bearfield Road Columbia, MO

< 1 mi

Preschool
Child care
Since 1996, Bright Start Academy has provided quality and affordable preschool and childcare services to children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Our six schools have prepared thousands of children for lifelong success, while winning numerous awards and accreditations. It is our goal to ensure your children are reaching their optimal learning potential by providing dedicated, professional educators and the best possible learning environment. Bright Start Academy programs are designed to instill a love for learning by making it fun. This is why a child s love for learning starts here at Bright Start Academy!
View profile
Bright Start Academy's Photo

Bright Start Academy

4300 Rainbow Trout Drive Columbia, MO

8 mi

Developmental (play-based)
Preschool
Child care
Since 1996, Bright Start Academy has provided quality and affordable preschool and childcare services to children ages 6 weeks through 12 years. Our six schools have prepared thousands of children for lifelong success, while winning numerous awards and accreditation. It is our goal to ensure your children are reaching their optimal learning potential by providing dedicated, professional educators and the best possible learning environment. Bright Start Academy programs are designed to instill a love for learning by making it fun. This is why a child's love for learning starts here at Bright Start Academy!
View profile
La Petite Ecole Inc.'s Photo

La Petite Ecole Inc.

1111 S Fairview Rd Columbia, MO

8 mi

Academic
International
Montessori
Preschool
Kindergarten
La Petite Ecole - The Dual-Language Immersion School (French &amp; English). La Petite Ecole Mission: The mission of La Petite Ecole is to provide the best early childhood educational experience in a dual language (French and English) environment in a Montessori setting. La Petite Ecole Vision: La Petite Ecole will introduce children to a second language as an intrinsic part of their environment, allowing them to broaden their cognitive abilities at an early age. This will make the students become better problem-solvers, thus providing them with a great and uncontested advantage over others their age. This positively impacts each child's individual success and their understanding of a broader community.
View profile
Columbia Montessori School's Photo

License verified

Columbia Montessori School

3 Anderson Ave Columbia, MO

8 mi

Academic
Cooperative
Developmental (play-based)
Montessori
Outdoor/nature
+3 more
Columbia Montessori School (CMS) provides an enriching Montessori education in an environment prepared for the child, where natural curiosities are stimulated and the whole child is nurtured. With the structured Montessori environment, large playground, and outdoor classroom, we provide a place where children ages 4 weeks to 6 years develop a sense of self awareness, social responsibility, and a desire to learn while being free to explore and enjoy being kids. CMS classrooms our tailored to the development of the child. - The focus in our infant and toddler programs is on fostering positive relationships with adults and other children, developing fine and gross motor skills, and language skills. Infants engage in developmentally appropriate activities including tummy time, gross motor skills, visual and auditory development, and outdoor walks. Toddlers build a sense of self through art, movement, practical life activities, music, and a lot of outdoor time. - The Pre-Primary program offers a full Montessori curriculum geared to the younger child. Included in this curriculum are line time topics and activities for gross and fine motor development. Pre-Primary friends continue developing their sense of order and movement as they advance their communication, self-help skills, and concentration. - The Primary program is an integrated, multi-age program. Children in this classroom are developing order, coordination, concentration, and independence. Children are free to work at their own pace and select materials of their choosing in areas of practical life, language, math, sensorial, science, and culture. They are refining their senses as well as developing communication and methods for peaceful conflict resolution. - In our outdoor classroom, students participate in planting, caring for, and harvesting produce in the raised garden beds. They are learning about sustainability and caring for our earth as they assist with gardening and creating spaces for pollinators. They also have opportunities to explore all their senses in a music area, digging pit, art area, and balance rope, among other enriching activities. For over 50 years, CMS has provided educational care to the children in our community. Established in 1967, CMS is a non-profit (501c3) licensed childcare facility that has a rich history of experience and deep roots in our community. We look forward to welcoming you into the CMS family!
View profile

Showing 1 - 20 of 71

Recent preschool reviews from local parents in Columbia, MO

Preschools in Columbia, MO are rated 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 33 reviews of the 71 listed preschools

COLUMBIA'S FINEST CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER

They are absolutely amazing! My grandkids have been a part of this center for 4 yrs. A few of my grandkids have special needs and the owner...

- Bonnie B.

ESCUELITA ALEGRIA

I have one daughter enrolled full-time and another on public school holidays. I know they are loved and cared for on good days and bad days....

- Care member

Sarah's Home Day Care

Sarah is a wonderful care taker . She watched over both my babies like they were her own. I was scared to death when I had my first. She...

- Brittany

FAQs for finding preschools near you in Columbia, MO

There are two main types of preschool programs near you in Columbia, MO. The first is a full-time program that usually works best for parents working full-time shifts, and the second is a part-time preschool where your child would attend only two to three days per week and typically choose between a morning and afternoon shift. A part-time preschool can be a great option if you want to ease the transition of this new learning experience for your child! You can also check your options in Columbia, MO for traditional preschool centers, or private home-based preschools.

When you begin looking for preschools near me in Columbia, MO, consider your priorities and ask administrators about their philosophies and approach to common child care issues or occurances. You may also want to ask about the ratio of learning time to supervised play time so you can get a good sense of whether you believe your child's needs will be met. From there, ask about what a typical day consists of, what the safety protocols are and how discipline will be handled. Also, make sure to check directly with the preschool for information about their local licensing and credentials in Columbia, MO.

When looking for a preschool near you in Columbia, MO on Care.com, you'll be able to review preschools by distance from you ZIP code. From there, you can compare between preschool programs by traditional facility-based preschools and private, in-home preschools. Be sure to check any reviews from other families in Columbia, MO who have previously sent their kids to any of the preschools you are interested in.

Preschool Articles

What&#8217;s the best age to learn a new language?

What’s the best age to learn a new language?

December 29, 2025 - With the

How to write a maternity leave out of office message: Expert tips and examples

How to write a maternity leave out of office message: Expert tips and examples

December 29, 2025 - In any given month, an average of 273,000 women will

Is Instagram safe for kids? What parents need to know

Is Instagram safe for kids? What parents need to know

December 23, 2025 - With over two billion monthly users, and under the same ownership as its sister app, Facebook, Instagram — a

Additional Preschool Services

  • Preschools in Ashland, MO
  • Preschools in Hallsville, MO
  • Preschools in Fulton, MO
  • Preschools in Harrisburg, MO
  • Preschools in Centralia, MO
  • Preschools in Auxvasse, MO
  • Preschools in California, MO
  • Preschools in Fayette, MO
  • Preschools in Mexico, MO
  • Preschools in Jefferson City, MO
  • Preschools in Boonville, MO