Peapod Preschool

Peapod Learning Center was founded in 2008 as a licensed family childcare home serving 8 infants aged 0-24 months. Our journey began as part of the Start-Up and Expansion program through the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the aim of increasing the number of high-quality early childhood education programs in Missouri. We created a nature-rich learning environment that combines trained early childhood educators with engaging indoor and outdoor learning spaces and gardens.

Over the years, our family-based programs have grown to include Peapod Brentwood, a licensed and accredited facility, and Peapod Farm, a licensed family childcare facility serving up to 10 children aged 0-6. Our programs utilize Project Construct as our curriculum, DRDP as our assessment piece, and several nature curriculums, including MDC's Nature Revealed, Getting Little Feet WET (Water Education for Teachers), Growing up WILD, and Project Learning Tree for early childhood. We are proud to be a nature-based preschool where experimentation and creativity are encouraged through hands-on, minds-on, blended outdoor and indoor activities utilizing our outdoor classrooms and play-based multiple intelligence centers.

Our Environment

Our indoor classroom is filled with culturally rich materials that motivate students to be mentally active. The natural furniture creates an inviting aesthetic feel in the classroom. Our outdoor classroom is a great space for children to connect with nature and use movement as part of the learning process. We believe that our environment plays a significant role in a child's development, and we strive to provide a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for all our learners.

Our Teachers

Our teachers are passionate about inspiring young minds to learn and grow. They serve as facilitators, observers, decision-makers, and collaborators in the classroom. By taking on these roles, learners are allowed to think for themselves, construct their own knowledge, and solve their own problems. Our teachers are committed to creating an environment full of possibilities.

Activities

At Peapod, we understand that children learn through play. We offer a variety of unique and hands-on activities to reach all of our learners. We have Stretch and Grow, a program that engages children with kinesthetic practice, visiting our Preschool every week. The Springfield Library brings their program to us on a regular basis, along with lots of good books. We also enjoy Zoo Class, offered through the Dickerson Park Zoo, every month. Both the Preschool and Learning Center take field trips to the Nature Center to enjoy their classes and trails. We believe in involving our community and families to help our children learn. Firefighters, grandparents, and special musicians have been known to stop by.

Project Construct Classrooms

At Peapod Learning Center, we recognize and embrace each child as a unique individual. We create a child-directed educational experience where the child can construct his/her own knowledge through teacher-guided interactions with their physical and social environments. Our classrooms are designed to encourage exploration, creativity, and self-directed learning.

Health and Nutrition

Meals at Peapod are a time to learn, enjoy a nutritious meal and have fun with friends. Both locations serve breakfast, lunch and a snack that meet the requirement of the USDA's Children's Food Act. We believe that healthy eating habits start at a young age, and we strive to provide a variety of healthy and delicious meals for our learners.

Safety

Peapod is a state-licensed childcare facility. We offer superior care through excelling in the areas of health, sanitation, and safety. We understand that the safety of our learners is of the utmost importance, and we are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all our learners.