Escuelita Alegría Spanish Immersion Preschool
Families who would like their young children to start to learn the 2nd most spoken language in the United Stated when their brains are most ready and able to benefit.
Content updated Dec. 4, 2025
Escuelita Alegría Spanish Immersion Preschool is a year-round all day, play based Spanish Immersion preschool for children ages two through six. No previous Spanish experience is necessary. All lead teachers have at least one college degree and are native speakers.
We also offer summer care by the week from May - August for ages two - eight.
M-F, 7:30am-5:30pm
16 Hitt Street
Columbia, MO 65201 (We are located inside of First Presbyterian Church, renting space in their Child Development Center)
(573) 823-8085
Email: info@easipreschool.com
Columbia Public Schools Preschool
Content updated Dec. 4, 2025
Columbia Public Schools offers a developmentally appropriate education through which young children actively build their potential in a positive, nurturing, culturally diverse school family environment. Preschool is a federally funded program providing services to children with developmental needs, ages 3 to 5 (non-kindergarten) years of age. Services are provided at no cost to eligible children. Eligibility is determined through a developmental screening process.
Call for screening appointment 573-214-3585.
Hours: 7:55am - 2:55pm (students); 7:15am - 3:30pm (staff)
2191 E Smiley Ln.
Columbia, MO 65202
(573) 214-3950
CPS Parents as Teachers (PAT)
Content updated Nov. 26, 2025
We are a free program offered through Columbia Public Schools that provides:
- screenings for babies and young children
- visits with an educator trained in child development
- connection to community resources
- group events like messy night and infant massage
- ideas, support, and information during the early years
The Center for Early Learning - North2191 Smiley Lane
Columbia MO 65202
573-214-3955
Email: krsmith@cpsk12.org
First Chance for Children
Families with children ages 0-5
Content updated Nov. 17, 2025
First Chance for Children provides early childhood programs and family resources that support safe and healthy outcomes for children and families across Missouri.
Services:
First Chance for Children offers comprehensive early childhood services designed to support families from pregnancy through age five. Our programs include Baby U, a home visitation initiative that combines the evidence-based Parents as Teachers® and Nurturing Parenting® models to guide parents in fostering their child’s growth and development. The Baby Bags Diaper Bank provides diapers, wipes, and period products to families across central Missouri, reducing financial stress and improving family health and hygiene. Through our Lend and Learn Toy Libraries, families can engage in free, developmentally appropriate play, borrow educational toys, and connect with other caregivers to reduce social isolation. The Safe Cribs Program ensures that every infant has a safe sleep environment and that caregivers are equipped with the knowledge to reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths. Each program is designed to meet families where they are, whether at home, in the community, or through trusted partner agencies to ensure equitable access to critical early childhood supports.
Hours: 9 am to 3:30 pm Monday through Friday and other hours as scheduled
1002 Fay St
Columbia, MO 65201
573-777-1815
Email: glitteken@fc4c.org
Visit website
https://www.facebook.com/FirstChance4Children
https://www.facebook.com/LnLLibraries
https://www.instagram.com/firstchanceforchildren/
https://www.instagram.com/lnllibraries/
Home Visiting- Healthy Families America
Content updated Nov. 21, 2025
Want to be the best parent you can be? Would you like to get off to a great start with your child? A home visitor can help and is available both before your child is born and afterwards. Click on the link below for more info.
Healthy Families may provide car seats, portable cribs, diapers/wipes, books, or other health, safety, and developmental items to our participants.
Your home visitor will be there to listen, help you find answers to your questions, and to support you in being the kind of parent you want to be! For more information, please call 573.817.6430.
1005 W Worley St
Columbia, MO 65203-2037
573-817-6430
Email: sandra.miller@como.gov
CMCA - Head Start
Content updated April 22, 2025
Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide free learning and development services to children age birth to 5 years from low-income families. Early Head Start and Head Start welcome children with disabilities. Registration and eligibility requirements are available through CMCA at 573-443-8706 ext 1059 or contact the specific Head Start location. Online applications can be found here: Head Start App (English) or Head Start App (Spanish).
CMCA Office
807 North Providence Road Columbia, MO 65203 573-443-8706