The Best Preschools in Florence, MO
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Florence. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Bright Horizons at Columbia
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at Columbia is a highly-regarded early education center located approximately 30 minutes from Florence, serving families throughout central Missouri. The center follows the Bright Horizons World at Their Fingertips curriculum, focusing on literacy, mathematics, science, and social-emotional development. Facilities feature age-appropriate learning environments with dedicated outdoor play areas. The center maintains excellent staff-to-child ratios and employs degreed early childhood educators. Safety protocols include secure entry systems and comprehensive health monitoring.
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La Petite Academy of Columbia
La Petite Academy
La Petite Academy of Columbia provides comprehensive early childhood education services to families in the greater Boone County area, including Florence residents. The center utilizes the Links to Learning curriculum, which emphasizes school readiness through structured activities in literacy, math, science, and creative arts. The facility features modern classrooms, secure outdoor playgrounds, and technology-enhanced learning spaces. Staff members receive ongoing professional development and maintain CPR/first aid certifications. The center has established strong parent communication protocols and maintains excellent state licensing compliance.
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Primrose School of Columbia
Primrose Schools
Primrose School of Columbia is a premium early learning center serving families throughout central Missouri, including the Florence area. The school implements the Balanced Learning approach, blending teacher-directed and child-initiated activities with a strong focus on character development and literacy. The facility features purpose-built classrooms, multiple outdoor learning environments, and dedicated art and music spaces. The school maintains low student-teacher ratios and employs experienced early childhood educators with bachelor's degrees. Parent satisfaction is consistently high due to comprehensive communication systems and proven academic outcomes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Florence, MO:
What are the typical costs for preschool in Florence, MO, and are there any local financial assistance programs?
In Florence and the surrounding Boone County area, preschool tuition typically ranges from $150 to $250 per week, depending on the program's hours and curriculum. For financial assistance, Missouri's Early Childhood Education (ECE) grant and the federal Child Care Subsidy Program (through the MO Department of Social Services) are available to qualifying families. It's also recommended to directly ask individual preschools if they offer sliding scale fees or scholarships.
How can I verify the quality and licensing of a preschool in Florence, MO?
All licensed childcare facilities in Missouri, including Florence, are regulated by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). You can search for a specific program's license status, inspection reports, and any compliance history on the DESE "Child Care Facility Search" website. Additionally, looking for programs accredited by national bodies like NAEYC or participating in Missouri's voluntary Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) can indicate a higher standard.
What types of preschool programs are most common in the Florence area?
Given Florence's small-town setting within commuting distance of Columbia, you'll find a mix of home-based family childcare programs, faith-based preschools often attached to local churches, and some center-based programs. Many families also consider options in nearby Columbia, which offers public school district early childhood programs, Montessori schools, and nature-based preschools, expanding the choices available to Florence residents.
When should I start looking and applying for preschools in Florence, MO, given the local demand?
For the most sought-after programs, especially those affiliated with the Columbia Public School district or popular private centers, you should begin your search and inquiries at least 12-18 months before your desired start date, as waiting lists can form quickly. For local in-home providers and church-based preschools in Florence, a 6-9 month lead time is generally advisable. Many programs open enrollment for the following fall between January and March.
Are there any unique considerations for preschool safety and preparedness in Florence, MO?
Given Florence's rural location, it's wise to inquire about a preschool's specific emergency plans for severe weather common to Central Missouri, such as tornadoes, and their protocols for safe pick-up/drop-off on potentially less trafficked roads. Furthermore, as part of Missouri's licensing, all staff must pass background checks and have training in CPR/first aid and mandated reporter guidelines for child abuse and neglect.
Nearby Cities
Explore preschools in cities near Florence:
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