The Best Preschools in Slater, MO
Discover 3 top-rated preschools and early learning centers in Slater. Compare programs, read reviews, and find the perfect early childhood education for your child.
Slater Head Start
Missouri Valley Community Action Agency
Slater Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education and development services for low-income families in the Slater area. The program focuses on school readiness through age-appropriate curriculum, social-emotional development, and health services. Teachers are qualified in early childhood education and maintain small class sizes for individualized attention. The facility includes modern learning environments and outdoor play areas designed specifically for young children's development.
Programs Offered:
Marshall Montessori School
Independent
Located approximately 15 minutes from Slater, Marshall Montessori School offers authentic Montessori education for children ages 2-6. The school features certified Montessori teachers, carefully prepared environments with specialized Montessori materials, and a child-directed learning approach. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills, sensorial development, language, mathematics, and cultural studies. Parents consistently praise the school's nurturing environment and the exceptional academic preparation children receive.
Programs Offered:
Primrose School of Columbia
Primrose Schools
While located in Columbia (approximately 35 minutes from Slater), Primrose School serves families throughout central Missouri with their nationally recognized Balanced Learning curriculum. The school combines purposeful play with nurturing guidance from trained teachers to help children develop academically, socially, and emotionally. Features include secure facilities with keypad entry, modern classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and comprehensive safety protocols. The curriculum includes literacy, math, science, social studies, and character development programs.
Programs Offered:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about preschools in Slater, MO:
What are the main types of preschool options available in Slater, MO?
In Slater, your primary options include the Slater Public School District's early childhood program, which is a state-funded preschool, and home-based or private daycare centers that offer preschool curricula. Due to the city's size, there are fewer large, standalone preschool centers compared to larger metropolitan areas, so exploring programs in nearby communities like Marshall may be necessary for more variety.
How much does preschool typically cost in Slater, and are there financial assistance programs?
Costs can vary, but Slater Public School's program is free for qualifying families based on income, as it follows Missouri's Early Childhood Special Education and Title I guidelines. For private in-home options, monthly tuition may range from $100 to $250. We recommend contacting the Saline County Family Services office for information on state childcare subsidies and local assistance.
What should I look for to ensure a preschool in Slater is high-quality and licensed?
First, verify the program is licensed by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) or meets state childcare licensing standards. Visit the facility to observe cleanliness, safety measures, and teacher-child interactions. In a smaller community like Slater, asking for local parent references and checking the provider's history with the Saline County Health Department can be very insightful.
What is the typical enrollment process and timeline for Slater preschools?
For the Slater Public School preschool, enrollment typically begins in the spring for the following fall, with eligibility often based on age (3-5 years old) and family income. Private providers may have rolling admission but limited spots. It's crucial to contact providers directly by early spring, as spaces fill quickly in this small community.
Are there preschools in Slater that offer specific educational approaches or extended hours for working parents?
Most preschool programs in Slater, including the public school option, follow a play-based or traditional developmental approach aligned with Missouri Early Learning Standards. Extended care hours are more commonly offered by home-based daycare providers. For specialized approaches like Montessori, parents often need to look at programs in larger nearby towns such as Marshall or Columbia.
Looking for More Options?
Explore preschools in other cities across Missouri or search our full directory of early learning centers nationwide.