Business Details
18 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Nature-Based Early Childhood Education in Springfield, MO
At Peapod Learning Center, we believe childhood is best nurtured in harmony with nature. Our curriculum is rooted in hands-on, outdoor experiences that inspire curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. We believe children thrive through meaningful play, not screens. Every day is filled with opportunities to climb, create, explore, and imagine, giving children the space to develop naturally, with the world as their classroom. Through a balance of structured exploration and child-led discovery, your child will build confidence, independence, and meaningful connections to the world around them. Founded in 2008, we began as a small, licensed family childcare home and have grown into a state-accredited program serving children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.Our approach combines Project Construct curriculum, DRDP assessments, and nature-based programs like Nature Revealed and Project Learning Tree. With over 30 years of experience in education and childcare, our founder, Carly Walton, leads a team of certified educators dedicated to fostering a love of learning through play. We maintain a 1:4 caregiver-to-child ratio for infants and 1:10 for preschoolers, ensuring personalized attention. Our staff participates in annual professional development and holds CPR/First Aid certifications. We partner with families to create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, confident, and ready to explore.
Services
Nature-Based Preschool
Infant/Toddler Care
Outdoor Learning Programs
Project Construct Curriculum
DRDP Assessments
Zoo Classes
Nature Center Field Trips
Family Style Dining
Potty Training Support
Enrichment Activities
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We offer a nature-based curriculum with 15+ years of experience in early childhood education.
- Our 1:4 infant caregiver ratio ensures personalized attention and care.
- We integrate Project Construct and DRDP assessments for structured learning.
- Monthly enrichment activities include zoo classes and nature center field trips.
- Our staff maintains 18+ hours of annual professional development and CPR certifications.
Associations and certifications
- Missouri Accreditation
What people say
Warm and homey
Teaches emotional awareness
Regular developmental updates
Helps with potty training
Nature-rich learning
Services
Nature-Based Preschool
Our nature-based preschool immerses children in hands-on outdoor experiences that foster curiosity and creativity. Through structured exploration and child-led discovery, kids develop confidence, independence, and environmental awareness. Daily activities include gardening, sensory play, and nature walks.
Infant/Toddler Care
The Seeds Classroom provides nurturing care for infants and toddlers in a sensory-rich environment. We focus on social-emotional growth, cognitive development, and motor skills through music, art, and outdoor play. Families receive daily updates on meals, naps, and developmental milestones.
Project Construct Curriculum
Project Construct guides learning through children's interests, encouraging collaboration and independent thinking. Teachers facilitate discovery-based activities that align with Missouri's early learning standards. Mistakes are treated as growth opportunities to build learning confidence.
DRDP Assessments
We use Desired Results Developmental Profile to monitor growth across seven areas: social, language, literacy, cognitive, math, physical, and health. Progress is shared through portfolios and parent conferences to celebrate milestones and guide learning plans.
Enrichment Activities
Monthly enrichment activities include zoo classes, library visits, and nature center field trips. Community guests like firefighters and conservationists provide hands-on learning experiences. Weekly Stretch & Grow fitness programs promote physical development and healthy lifestyles.
People
Carly Walton
Founder & Director
With 30+ years in education, Carly holds a master's in Reading and Early Childhood Administration. She founded Peapod in 2008 after teaching kindergarten and training educators. Certified in CPR and environmental education programs, she prioritizes nature-based learning.
Kailie Crews
Director/Preschool Lead Teacher
Kailie is pursuing a bachelor's in Early Childhood Education at Missouri State University. She believes in safe, positive environments for learning and grew up exploring Missouri's outdoors, aligning with Peapod's nature-focused philosophy.
Yisel Zuniga
Assistant Teacher
Yisel graduated from Ozarks Technical Community College with an associate's degree in 2021. She assists across all classrooms, supporting lesson plans and children's activities while enjoying reading and writing in her free time.
Justina Downs
Assistant Teacher
Justina has 7+ years of childcare experience as a private nanny. She joined Peapod in 2024 to advance her career and enjoys playing tennis in her free time, bringing energetic engagement to classroom activities.
Theresa Wolken
Assistant Teacher
Theresa, a mother of four and grandmother of nine, brings diverse hobbies like art and music to her teaching. She joined Peapod in 2022, offering creative activities and a warm, nurturing presence in the classroom.
Questions
What are your operating hours?
We are open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
What age groups do you serve?
We enroll children aged 6 weeks to 5 years across three classroom programs.
Are you state licensed and accredited?
Yes, we're state licensed and accredited through Missouri Accreditation since 2018.
What curriculum do you use?
We implement Project Construct with DRDP assessments and nature-based programs like Project Learning Tree.
What safety measures are in place?
We conduct regular emergency drills and maintain fully stocked emergency kits with class rosters and communication devices.
How do you handle discipline?
We use Conscious Discipline principles focusing on positive relationships and natural consequences to develop self-control.