La Petite Academy on S. Enterprise Ave
1714 S Enterprise Ave, Springfield, MO 65804
- 855.520.6712
- Schedule a Tour
Daycare and Early Education Programs Near Springfield
From infants to school-age, our age-appropriate programs nurture your child's academic, social, and emotional growth every step of the way. Every day, children experience plenty of outdoor playtime, while a healthy breakfast, lunch, and plenty of snacks are served.
Infant Care
Safety and comfort come first in our Infants Program, where Primary Caregivers offer your little one personalized attention. Learn from the Start™, our exclusive milestone-based curriculum, guides every experience, from sensory play to early language and motor skill building. The classroom is designed with everything teachers need at their fingertips, so they can stay by your baby’s side. Sensory pools and mats, activity gyms, and other age-appropriate toys and materials engage all five senses, inspiring curiosity and exploration in a safe space. With a maximum teacher-child ratio of 1:4, your baby always feels the love and attention they need. Diapers and wipes are also included, giving families one less thing to worry about each day.
Toddler Care
Our Toddlers Program provides a stimulating, supportive environment with plenty of room to move, explore, and discover. Children build new skills as they begin to communicate and express their growing personalities. Our Learn as We Grow curriculum guides their development through hands-on activities that nurture curiosity and confidence.
Twos & Early Learning
Our Twos Program provides a stimulating, engaging environment where children can play, explore, and build new skills as they develop greater independence and curiosity about the world around them.
Early Preschool Program
Our Early Preschool Program provides a fun, engaging environment where children can build independence, establish routines, and develop the self-help skills they need as they prepare for Preschool. Specifically designed for 30- to 42-month-old children, this program’s stimulating classroom environment provides opportunities for children to explore their interests, engage with peers, and build curiosity and confidence as independent learners. Hands-on learning experiences continue to be shared through our exclusive Learn as We Grow curriculum
Preschool
Our Preschool Program provides a welcoming classroom community where children build independence, confidence, and the skills they need for kindergarten success. Our exclusive curriculum encourages exploration, creativity, and early literacy through play-based learning.
Pre-Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten Program helps prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten. In this interactive learning community, curiosity leads the way as children wonder, explore, and build the academic and social skills they need to thrive.
Junior Kindergarten
Our Pre-Kindergarten Program helps prepare children for a successful transition to kindergarten. In this interactive learning community, curiosity leads the way as children wonder, explore, and make discoveries. In this classroom, our research-based Learn as We Grow curriculum supports academic and social-emotional development through purposeful routines, materials, and learning experiences. Children master problem-solving, responsive listening, communication, and collaboration skills while building confidence for kindergarten.
Before & After School Care
Our Before and After School Program provides school-age children with a supportive environment to relax, connect with friends, and stay engaged before and after the school day. Children can enjoy homework help, creative projects, outdoor play, and enrichment activities.
Summer Camp
Our Summer Camp gives children a summer filled with discovery, creativity, and fun through hands-on activities, outdoor play, and engaging weekly themes. Designed for school-age children, each week brings new adventures that keep kids learning and having fun all summer long.
Our Educational Approach
At AppleTree & Gilden Woods, we encourage children to follow their curiosity, explore the world around them, and make new discoveries every day. Our programs provide a consistent approach to early education that supports children's learning and development as they grow and prepare for kindergarten.
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Research-Based Curriculum
Our Learn as You Grow® research-based curriculum offers engaging activities and personalized learning experiences that are thoughtfully designed around each stage of your child's development. Children will:
- Build their confidence
- Develop critical thinking and creativity
- Discover independence
- Make strong connections
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Learning Environment
Our classrooms are designed to be welcoming spaces where children have plenty of opportunities to learn and discover. Through engaging learning centers and thoughtfully selected materials, children can:
- Discover
- Imagine
- Create
- Communicate
- Investigate
- Invent
- Reflect
Commitment to Quality
Every decision we make is guided by our commitment to positively impacting children and families. Drawing on decades of experience and expertise, we’ve identified five key elements that help us deliver a high-quality experience for every child and family across our Michigan schools.
- Language-Rich
- Child/Adult Interactions
- The Learning Environment
- Evidence of Learning
- Purposeful Routines
Why Families Choose Us
Choosing childcare is a big decision, and we're honored you're considering us. From play-based learning to carefully considered teacher-to-child ratios, families choose our school for many reasons. Here are four things we know you’ll love.
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Live Streaming Video
Stay connected, wherever you are, through classroom cameras. It’s just one part of SproutAbout®, our parent communications app that also features messaging, scheduling, learning updates, plus photos and videos to save and share.
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All-Inclusive Pricing
Families get peace of mind with tuition that meets your needs: Diapers and wipes included for younger children, healthy meals and snacks included for all ages.
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Safety You Can Trust
As your child’s home away from home, our school is a safe space with secure ID and entry procedures, door alarms, interior cameras, low teacher-to-child ratios, and staff trained in CPR and first aid.
Our Educators
Experienced School Directors and trained educators create a caring, engaging environment, nurturing children to ensure readiness is social and emotional, not just academic. Meet the people who make our schools special when you visit.
Inside Our Springfield Classrooms and Playgrounds
Explore inviting classrooms and outdoor play areas where children can move, create, and make discoveries. Each environment supports active learning, social interaction, and age-appropriate experiences that encourage healthy development.
A Welcoming Place to Learn and Grow
Our school provides a welcoming environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to learn and grow.
Learning Environment
We create an engaging learning environment where children are encouraged to discover, imagine, create, communicate, investigate, invent, and reflect.
A Cozy Space for Little Readers
A cozy, nature-inspired reading space encourages children to explore books, spark their imaginations, and develop a love of reading.
Safe Playgrounds
Our fully enclosed playgrounds provide opportunities for active play that help children build strength, improve coordination, and develop gross motor skills.
You Ask, We Answer
Clear, straightforward guidance on enrollment, daily schedules, costs, and state assistance for Springfield families.
Are there openings for childcare at AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield?
Childcare openings at AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield vary by location, your child's age, and the program or schedule you're interested in. Availability may change throughout the year as children enroll and transition between classrooms.
We encourage families to contact their preferred AppleTree & Gilden Woods school to learn about current openings, available schedules, and enrollment options. Our school teams are happy to help you explore programs that meet your family's childcare needs and guide you through the next steps.
Do AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield offer flexible childcare options?
Yes, AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield offer flexible childcare options to accommodate different family schedules and needs. Families can choose from full-time and part-time enrollment options, as well as drop-in care, based on availability. These options help families balance work schedules, family commitments, and their child's early learning needs.
How much do AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield cost and what does tuition include?
Tuition at AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield varies based on your child's attendance schedule and school location. We offer full-time and part-time enrollment options, as well as drop-in care for enrolled families, to accommodate your family's childcare needs.
Tuition includes nutritious meals and snacks, and diapers and wipes for infants. Families are encouraged to contact their local AppleTree & Gilden Woods school for a personalized tuition quote.
What financial assistance, childcare subsidies, or tuition discounts are available at AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield?
At AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield, we understand that affordable, high-quality childcare is important to families. Financial assistance may be available through state-funded childcare subsidies to help eligible families with tuition costs. Families may also qualify for employer-sponsored tuition discounts, military family discounts, or other savings opportunities.
Financial assistance, eligibility requirements, and available discounts vary by school. We encourage families to contact their local AppleTree & Gilden Woods school to learn more.
How do AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield prepare children for kindergarten?
At AppleTree & Gilden Woods schools in Springfield, we help children build the academic, social, and emotional skills they need for a successful transition to kindergarten. Through our Learn as We Grow curriculum, children participate in hands-on, play-based learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Our Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten programs introduce important concepts in early literacy, writing, math, and science through engaging activities and classroom learning centers. Children also develop essential social skills, including cooperation, communication, and positive relationships with others.
By encouraging independence, self-confidence, and a love of learning, we help children feel prepared for kindergarten and beyond.
Other Nearby Learning Care Centers in Springfield
All the Learning Care brands provide high-quality early childhood education and care. Select one of our other schools below, or call to learn more.
Find a Child Care Center Near You
