Early Childhood

Success by Six Play Paths

Wondering what those painted pathways are along the Parkway trail system and at area parks? They’re educating young minds. The Success by Six Play Paths, coordinated by the United Way of Greater St. Joseph, encourage families to jump, skip, count, read, match and problem-solve as they enjoy their play time together.

Annual Children’s Fair: Showcase of Critical Learning

St. Joseph has many organizations and businesses who see the value of early childhood education. They all come together in the spring each year for the Children’s Fair at the Civic Arena, a free community event that offers dozens of informative booths to families and community members, hands-on activities and kid-friendly fun .. all in the name of education.

LEARN LINKS

Early Childhood Public K-12 Private K-12 Homeschool K-12 Higher Education Youth Organizations Lifelong Learning Online Enrichment

Early childhood education is a shared focus in St. Joseph. Our city’s educational organizations, community organizations and businesses are on board together for the same vision: To give early learners the best possible chances for success in school, their careers and their lives. Below is a look at how these resources are all working together for this critically-important purpose.

COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

  • Success By 6 with the United Way of Greater St. Joseph – Works with parents, childcare providers, early education teachers, and local businesses to prepare young children for future success.
  • St. Joseph Youth Alliance – Works with area childcare providers in 11 counties to offer customized technical assistance.
  • The St. Joseph YWCA – Helps child development centers enhance the quality of services, including facilitating a nutrition education and meal program so that young minds have the fuel they need. See a brochure here.
  • Head Start and Early Head Start programs with CAP St. Joe –  Unites parents, educators, and community members with success built upon continuing, progressive education, and training for all team members.

SCHOOL VISION

  • The St. Joseph School District has recognized the critical power of early childhood education for decades. The program helps establish measurable skills and milestones needed to help children succeed fully in school — across all abilities and income levels. The curriculum addresses the needs shared by parents, administrators, and teachers and aligns with the Missouri Early Learning Standards utilizing the High Scope Curriculum Framework.
  • Parents as Teachers is an active extension of this belief, with weekly on-site group enrichment activities and a strong home-visit program.
  • St. Joseph private schools offer early childhood education, with a focus on establishing an academic foundation for future greatness, as well as a foundation in faith.

INNOVATION ON AN INCLUSIVE LEVEL

  • UCP of Northwest Missouri – This organization has served families in St. Joseph and the surrounding areas since 1968. With a Children’s Program, an Adult Program and Employment Services, UCP of Northwest Missouri serves more than 400 families with children or adults with disabilities each year. The UCP preschool offers children with and without disabilities a chance to learn, play and grow together as part of our city’s early childhood resources. The innovative “Under the Sea” play area has many unique sensory features — and the teachers and staff at UCP engage in multi-level professional training and continuing education.
  • Head Start and Early Head Start
  • St Joseph School District preschools
  • The new Jumpin’ Jungle play area, located just behind the YMCA North Campus, offers sensory learning, music stations, unique swings and play equipment designed for children of all abilities.

PRESCHOOLS AND LEARNING CENTERS

Across our city, you’ll find an open door to quality early childhood educational resources. Options include: